Camera positioning device for eye-to-eye alignment in video conference applications

ABSTRACT

A camera positioning device for eye-to-eye alignment in video conference applications is provided. The device can include a camera, a cord going from the camera to a computer, and a positioning component (e.g., a bracket) that connects the camera to the computer. The bracket allows for manual adjustment of the cord attached to the camera to maintain vertical and horizontal positioning and rotational stability of a camera for improved eye-to-eye alignment in video conference applications.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.17/412,163, entitled “CAMERA POSITIONING DEVICE FOR EYE-TO-EYE ALIGNMENTIN VIDEO CONFERENCE APPLICATIONS”, filed Aug. 25, 2021, which claimspriority to U.S. provisional application No. 63/071,256, filed Aug. 27,2020, and entitled “CAMERA POSITIONING DEVICE FOR EYE-TO-EYE ALIGNMENTIN VIDEO CONFERENCE APPLICATIONS”, which the full disclosure of theseapplications is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

BACKGROUND

As video communication between people increases, there is acorresponding increase in the need to interact with one another fromseparate locations efficiently. For example, it is common for computerdevices to have a camera positioned at the top or side of the device forvideo communication. While this may allow for flexibility formanufacturers in camera placement, the camera and image of the videoparticipant are typically in separate locations, making it difficultand, at times, impossible to establish eye contact. This offset cancreate the illusion that video participants are looking away from oneanother. This lack of eye contact can affect the subliminalpsychological cues associated with in-person (e.g., face-to-face)conversations. In contrast, in natural face-to-face conversations,meaningful connections are made between people because consistent eyecontact is established.

For example, to establish eye contact using conventional cameras andcamera placement, a user must constantly alternate between looking up tothe camera and down at the screen with the image of the other videoparticipant. Constantly moving the user's eyes up and down for aduration of a video conference can cause eye fatigue, as well as causingthe user to miss non-verbal cues of other video participants. Asnon-verbal cues can make up 90% of human communication, can occur insplit seconds, and can be subtle, overlooking even the slightest changein body language of other video participants can lead tomiscommunication between the video participants. Throughout the durationof a video communication, a user may alternate between looking up at thecamera and down at the screen (displaying the other video participant'simage) several times. Looking up and down from the camera to the screencauses the eye contact to be inconsistent, which is disruptive to thecommunication. For example, each time the user glances at the camera, heis likely to miss at least one non-verbal cue exhibited by the othervideo participant on the display screen. Thus, by the end of a videocommunication, the user may have missed multiple non-verbal cues,resulting in a cascade of miscommunications. As such, video conferencingcan feel unnatural, possibly causing a breakdown in communication and/ora loss of rapport between video participants, which may limit videocommunication. Accordingly, it is desirable to improve videocommunication.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various embodiments or examples (“examples”) of the invention aredisclosed in the following detailed description and the accompanyingdrawings:

FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate an example video conference in accordancewith various embodiments;

FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate example views of a camera positioning systemin accordance with various embodiments;

FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C illustrate example components of a camerapositioning system in accordance with various embodiments;

FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, 4E, and 4F illustrate another example componentsof a camera positioning system in accordance with various embodiments;

FIG. 5 illustrates an example camera of a camera positioning system inaccordance with various embodiments;

FIGS. 6A, 6B, 6C, and 6D illustrate example positioning components of acamera positioning system in accordance with various embodiments;

FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate examples of repositioning a camera of acamera positioning system in accordance with various embodiments;

FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 8C illustrate examples of stowing a camera positioningsystem in accordance with various embodiments;

FIGS. 9A, 9B, and 9C illustrate example arrangements of components of acamera positioning system in accordance with various embodiments; and

FIG. 10 illustrates an example process for utilizing a camerapositioning system in accordance with various embodiments;

FIG. 11 illustrates example components of a camera positioning system inaccordance with various embodiments; and

FIG. 12 illustrates example components that can be utilized inaccordance with various embodiments described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Systems, devices, and methods in accordance with various embodiments ofthe present disclosure may overcome one or more of the aforementionedand other deficiencies experienced in conventional approaches to videoconferencing. In particular, various embodiments describe a camerapositioning system that facilitates eye-to-eye alignment for videoconference applications. For example, a camera positioning device caninclude a camera, a cord (e.g., a flexible support member) going fromthe camera to a computer, and a positioning component (e.g., a bracket)that connects the camera to a display device (also referred to asdisplay screen). The positioning component can allow for manualadjustment of the cord attached to the camera, which can be used tomaintain vertical and horizontal positioning and rotational stability ofthe camera for improved eye-to-eye alignment during a video conferencebetween participants. When the positioning component is coupled with theflexible support member and releasably engaged (e.g., mounted) to thedisplay device, the combined weights of the positioning component andthe flexible member exerted on the positioning component can provide athreshold amount of force as to securely maintain the positioningcomponent in its position on the display device.

In an embodiment, a first participant aligns their camera lens with theeyes of the other party (e.g., the second participant) presented on adisplay screen. With the camera placed near an eye contact target (e.g.,the eyes of the onscreen image of the second participant), the firstparticipant and the second participant can simultaneously look at eachother's face. Additional adjustments as needed can be performed manuallyor by relocating the onscreen image of the person the user is speakingwith. The length of the cord may be adjusted to fit a variety of visualdisplay sizes, with the excess cord being stowed behind the videodisplay. The camera can be moved away from the display screen when notin use. In certain embodiments, the camera hardware (e.g., image sensor,image processing component, etc.) may be separate from the lens andplaced elsewhere on the cord, positioning component, or back behind thecomputer. The camera hardware may be used in combination with aretractable cord with a spring-loaded retraction on bracket or cord.

In one aspect, embodiments relate to an image capture device positioningsystem that includes a camera, a flexible support member operable totransmit at least one of power or data between a camera and a computingdevice, the flexible support member having a body portion, wherein afirst end of the body portion includes the camera and a second end ofthe body portion includes connector components (e.g., video displayconnector) providing for releasable engagement between the flexiblesupport member and one of the computing device or a component coupled tothe computing device; and a positioning component providing releasableengagement with a portion of a display screen and operable to direct thesecond end of the flexible support member to one of the computing deviceor the component and the first end of the flexible support member to anoperative region of the display screen.

In some embodiments, the positioning component is a bracket, the bracketoperable to hang from a top portion of the display screen. In certainembodiments, the positioning component includes a bracket clip, whereinthe clip is a spring-loaded hinge and the bracket clip is operable toreleasably grip an edge of the display device. A flexible support membermay be passed through a back end of a horizontal base (also referred toas a horizontal beam) of the bracket clip, through a front end of thehorizontal base. A first end of the flexible support member can beattached to a camera and can hang over in front of the display devicefrom the front end of the horizontal base. The first end of the flexiblesupport member may be a rigid cord, or a flexible cord encased in ahollow rigid structure.

In some embodiments, the positioning component includes notches throughwhich the flexible support member passes, wherein the flexible supportmember passes through a first notch on a back portion of the positioningcomponent which directs the flexible support member over a top portionof the positioning component and through a second notch on a frontportion of the positioning component, the flexible support memberpassing through the notches providing a threshold amount of force on thepositioning component to maintain a secure position on the displayscreen.

In some embodiments, the system further includes connecting elementsthat form a recess and a key arrangement between the flexible supportmember and the positioning component, wherein a magnet is in one of therecess and the key and a material to which the magnet is attracted inthe other of the recess and the key. In some embodiments, the systemfurther includes one of a magnetic assist, a friction assist, or anadhesive assist to couple the positioning component to the flexiblesupport member.

In some embodiments, the positioning component includes a repositionableadhesive material, the adhesive material being positioned on a back sideof the camera and operable to temporally fix a position of the camera tothe display screen.

In some embodiments, the positioning component is a clip operable tocouple the flexible support member to the display device, the clipconfigured to couple to a portion of the display screen.

In some embodiments, the positioning component is a double hook operableto hook onto the display screen, and wherein the double hook includes agap through with the flexible support member passes, and wherein theflexible support member passes through the gap to facilitate positioningof the camera at the operative region of the display screen. In certainembodiments, the system further includes a raised ridge extendingupwardly near a top edge of the display screen, the raised ridge beingreleasably coupled to the display screen, wherein the positioningcomponent includes one of a front flange hook or a back-flange hookextending transversely near a top edge, and wherein one of the frontflange hook or the back-flange hook engages the raised ridge to supportthe positioning component.

In some embodiments, the system further includes a pin extending from aslider affixed to the flexible support member, wherein the positioningcomponent includes a socket longitudinally defined through a top portionof the positioning component, and wherein the pin is inserted into thesocket to support the flexible support member from the positioningcomponent. The system may further include a friction assist to hold thepin and the socket together. In some embodiments, the pin furtherincludes a rod-shaped element having at least one bend to locate the pinparallel to a longitudinal direction of the positioning component anddisplaced to one side of the positioning component.

In some embodiments, the flexible support member includes at least onebend in the body portion to locate the camera within the operativeregion of the display screen. The flexible support member may besubstantially flat or may be associated with at least a flexibility orpliability property. In some embodiments, the first end of the bodyportion is hinged to allow radial articulation of a position of thecamera.

In some embodiments, the system further includes a storage elementhingedly dependent from one of a top edge or a bottom edge of a backportion of the positioning component, wherein the storage element isoperable to stow at least a portion of the flexible support member. Thestorage element can allow for shortening a total length of the flexiblesupport member.

In some embodiments, the system further includes a spring-loadedcomponent configured to retract at least a portion of the flexiblesupport member, the spring-loaded component being coupled to thepositioning component.

In some embodiments, the system further includes a wireless transmitterpositioned proximate to the second end to receive the data captured bythe camera and transmit the data, wherein the data includes one of imagedata or audio data.

Various other functions and advantages are described and suggested belowas may be provided in accordance with the various embodiments.

FIG. 1A illustrates an example 100 video communication in accordancewith various embodiments. In the example, a first user 103 (e.g., remoteuser) is a participant in a video communication (also referred to asvideo conference) with a second user (e.g., a local user or the secondvideo communication participant, not shown) using a conventional videocommunication setup, such as one in which a camera is positioned at thetop or side of the display screen (not shown) of the first user 103. Anonscreen image of the first user 103 is presented on display screen 104of the second user (e.g., display screen 104 depicts the view of thevideo communication from the perspective of the second user). In aconventional camera set up, when the first user 103 naturally attemptsto make eye contact with the second user, the first user's 103 eyes aredirected to an eye contact target (e.g., the eyes of the onscreen imageof the second user on the display screen of the first user 103), asopposed to the lens of the camera. Thus, the gaze of the first user 103as seen from the second user appears to be downward, and is not alignedwith that of the other video conference party. As such, there ismisaligned eye contact 102, in which a first participant (e.g., firstuser 103) attempts to look at the eye contact target (e.g., displayedthrough a video conference application on the first participant'sdisplay screen) but fails to make eye-to-eye contact through the videoconference application. Misaligned eye contact 102 can negatively impactthe communication between first user 103 and the second user because itis unnatural and is contrast with in-person conversations, whereeye-to-eye contact is aligned and consistent. Inconsistent eye contactcan lead to a breakdown in communication. For example, when the eyes offirst user 103 are pointed downward, her expression may bemisinterpreted by the second user as a negative emotion, such asboredom, disdain, etc., which can lead to miscommunication.

In order to simulate eye-to-eye contact with conventional camera setups,first user 103 would need to move her eyes toward the lens of hercamera, wherever the camera may be located (e.g., mounted on top of herdisplay screen, affixed on the left or right side of her display screen,separately placed on a surface beside her display screen, etc.). Tomaintain eye contact while observing the nonverbal expressions of thesecond user, the first user 103 would also need to continually move hereyes back and forth between the camera lens and the eye contact target(e.g., eyes of the onscreen image of the second user), resulting in eyefatigue. Further, during the time periods in which the first user 103 islooking into the camera lens, and when she is moving her eyes away fromthe eye contact target and toward the lens, the first user 103 missesany nonverbal cues exhibited by the second user.

FIG. 1B illustrates another example 120 video communication inaccordance with various embodiments. In this example, the first user 103and the second user (not shown) participate in a video communication,wherein the camera may be positioned over the display screen (not shown)of the first user 103, near the eye contact target (e.g., eyes of theonscreen image of the second user, not shown). When the first user 103looks at the eye contact target, the gaze of the first user 103naturally falls within the field of view of the camera lens, resultingin the onscreen image of the first user 103 (e.g., as presented on thedisplay screen 104 of the second user) to appear to be gazing directlyforward toward the second user (e.g., as opposed to downward, to theside, etc.), therefore establishing eye-to-eye alignment 122. The cameraposition may be adjusted to accommodate changes in the position of theeye contact target. For example, if the second user raises his chair tosit at a higher position, the onscreen image of his face and body willappear higher on the display screen of the first user 103, and his eyes(e.g., the eye contact target) will also move higher along the displayscreen of the first user 103. To maintain eye contact, the camera may beraised to be repositioned near the new location of the eye contacttarget, such that when first user 103 shifts her gaze to the newlocation of the eye contact target, eye-to-eye alignment 122 ismaintained despite changes in the second user's position on the displayscreen of the first user 103. In another embodiment, the position of thecamera on the display screen of the first user 103 can follow the eyecontact target. For example, the image capture device positioning systemcan determine whether the camera is within a predetermined distance fromthe eye contact target. If the camera becomes out of range (e.g., theeye contact target has shifted to a new location on the display screen,and beyond the predetermined distance from the camera), the camera maybe moved to be within the predetermined distance of the new location ofthe eye contact target.

Likewise, if the first user 103 changes her position, for example, byshifting to her left, her gaze will still remain on the eye contacttarget. Therefore, as viewed by the second user, display screen 104 willdisplay the first user 103 as having shifted to her left, yetmaintaining the eye-to-eye alignment 122 (e.g., first user 103 willappear as if she is gazing directly at the second user, but from anangle). With eye-to-eye alignment 122, the first user 103 and the seconduser can establish eye-to-eye contact and engage in improved and morenatural video communication through the video conference application.

FIG. 2A illustrates an example front view 200 of a camera positioningsystem in accordance with various embodiments. In the example, a firstuser 218 (e.g., a remote user) and a second user 216 (e.g., local user)participate in a video communication (also referred to as a videoconference) through video conference application window 206. The displayscreen 204 shows a front view of the video conference application window206 from the perspective of the second user 216 (e.g., the second user216 is directly facing display screen 204, as shown in FIG. 2B).Although a desktop computer is shown as the display screen 204, itshould be understood that any electronic computing device capable ofreceiving, determining, and/or processing input can be used inaccordance with various embodiments discussed herein, where the devicecan include, for example, notebook computers, portable computing device(e.g., smart phone, tablet computer), among others. Video conferenceapplication window 206 includes an onscreen image of the first user 218(e.g., from the perspective of the second user 216). A self-view image217 of the second user 216 is reflected in a floating picture-in-picturewindow within the video conference application window 206. The self-viewimage 217 reflects how the onscreen image of the second user 216 isviewed through the video communication from the perspective of the firstuser 218.

In an embodiment, camera 214 may be attached to a cord 210, and cord 210may be coupled with positioning component 212, on top of display screen204. In this example, camera 214 is positioned over the display screen204 and near the eye contact target 215 (e.g., the eyes of the onscreenimage of the first user 218). When the second user 216 looks at the eyecontact target 215, his eyes fall within the field of view of camera214, resulting in the gaze 222 of the second user 216 to appear to belooking directly at the first user 218 (e.g., from the perspective ofthe first user 218, as reflected in self-view image 217) andestablishing eye-to-eye alignment 208 (e.g., simulating eye-to-eyecontact between the first user 218 and second user 216 within videoconference application window 206). The position of camera 214 may beadjusted to stay within a particular distance of the eye contact target215. For example, if the first user 218 raises her seat, her onscreenimage will move higher in the video conference application window 206,causing her eyes (e.g., the eye contact target 215) move to a higherposition on display screen 204 than camera 214. To maintain eye-to-eyealignment 208 when the second user moves his gaze 222 upward and overcamera 214 to look at the eye contact target 215 at its new location,camera 214 may be moved upward to maintain the camera 214 within thepredetermined distance from the eye contact target 215, such that thegaze of second user continues to be within the field of view of camera214. Camera 214 may also be lowered or relocated left or right alongdisplay screen 204 to follow the eye contact target 215 if the eyecontact target 215 shifts onscreen.

FIG. 2B illustrates an example side view 220 of the camera positioningsystem in accordance with various embodiments. In the example, thesecond user 216 (e.g., local user) participates in a videocommunication, and directs his gaze 222 at an eye contact target 215 (asshown in FIG. 2A), wherein camera 214 is positioned within a particulardistance from the eye contact target 215 to such that the gaze 222 ofthe second user 216 falls within the field of view of the camera 214,establishing eye-to-eye contact between the first user 218 and thesecond user 216 within the video communication. Camera 214 is attachedto and supported by cord 210. The cord 210 can be adjusted verticallyacross the display screen 204 to adjust the vertical position of thecamera 214. For example, the position of camera 214 over the displayscreen 204 can be raised or lowered by pulling cord 210 up or down,respectively.

The cord 210 can be associated with a number of properties, including,for example, a flexibility or pliability property, a stiffness property,a firmness property, an extensibility property, a size or thinnessproperty, etc. For example, cord 210 may be a rigid cord. In anotherexample, cord 210 may be a flexible cord that is encased in or partiallyencased in a hollow rigid tube. As discussed herein, the cord 210 may bereferred to as a flexible support member. The cord 210, as describedherein, can include a body portion. A first end of the body portion caninclude the camera 214. A second end of the body portion can include avideo display connector 224 providing for releasable engagement betweenthe cord 224 (and further, the camera 214) and one of the computingdevice or a component coupled to the computing device, for example,display screen 204. The video display connector 224 connects the cord210 with display screen 204 to allow for power, image data, and/or audiodata to be transmitted between the camera 214 and display screen 204.The video display connector 224 may include a USB port, parallel port,HDMI, Ethernet, or any other way of passing image data between a cableand computing device.

In an embodiment, a positioning component 212 is coupled to the cord210. The positioning component 212 can provide releasable engagementwith a portion of a display screen 204 and configured to direct thesecond end (wherein the second end includes the video display connector224) of the cord 210 to one of the computing device or the component(e.g., display screen 204) and the first end (e.g., wherein the firstend includes camera 214) of the cord 210 to an operative region of thedisplay screen 204. As shown in the example, positioning component 212is a bracket clip seated on top of the display screen 204. Thepositioning component 212 is secured in its position on the displayscreen 204 through tensioning, wherein the combined weights of thepositioning component 212 and the cord 210 (e.g., the cord 210 beingcoupled to the positioning component 212) provide a threshold amount offorce on the positioning component 212 over the edge of the displayscreen 204 as to securely maintain the positioning component 212 on topof display screen 204. For example, if display screen 204 is tilteddownward, upward, to the right or left, etc., the tensioning from thecombined weights of the positioning component 212 and the cord 210 willhold positioning component 212 in place as to prevent the positioningcomponent 212 from slipping off the display screen 204 (e.g., maintainpositioning component 212 on top of the display screen 204). In anotherexample, weights may be added to the positioning component 212, thefirst end of the cord 210, the second end of the cord 210, or acombination thereof, to balance the tensioning on the positioningcomponent 212 and cord 210 and the center of gravity of the positioningcomponent 212 and cord 210, so that the combined weights of thepositioning component 212 and cord 210 do not cause the positioningcomponent 212 to lean and fall forward or backward off the displayscreen 204.

Although a bracket clip is shown as the positioning component 212, thepositioning component 212 can take the shape of any one of a number ofcomponents. For example, in another embodiment, positioning component212 may be a bracket, wherein the bracket is coupled to the cord 210.The bracket can, for example, hang from a top portion of the displayscreen 204. In the example, the weight of the bracket combined with theweight of the cord 210 keeps the bracket provides a threshold amount offorce on the bracket as to securely maintain the bracket on top ofdisplay screen 204. The bracket can be a u-bracket and can includenotches through which the cord 210 passes. The cord 210 passes through afirst notch on a back portion of the bracket, which directs the cord 210over a top portion of the bracket and through a second notch on a frontportion of the bracket. Passing the cord through the notches in thismanner provides a threshold amount of force on positioning component 212(e.g., the bracket) such that the force pressure exerted on positioningcomponent 212 allows positioning component 212 to maintain a secureposition on the display screen 204.

In another example, positioning component 212 may be a clip operable tocouple the cord 210 to a display screen 204. The clip can be secured tothe display screen 204 under the tensioning on the clip that resultsfrom the combined weights of the clip and cord 210 on the display device204. In yet another example, positioning component 212 is a double hookoperable to hook onto a display screen 204. In this example, the doublehook includes a gap through which the cord passes, wherein the cord 210passes through the gap to facilitate positioning of the camera 214 at anoperative region of the display screen 204. The weight of the doublehook combined with the weight of the cord 210 on the hook result in atensioning on the double hook to keep the double hook in place on top ofthe display screen 204. In yet another example, positioning component212 includes a raised ridge extending upwardly near a top edge of adisplay screen 204, the raised ridge being releasably coupled to thedisplay screen 204. In this example, positioning component 212 includesone of a front flange hook or a back-flange hook extending transverselynear a top edge. One of the front flange hook or the back-flange hookengages the raised ridge to support the positioning component 212. Cord210 may be passed and hung through the front flange hook (or back-flangehook). The weight of the raised ridge and front flange hook (orback-flange hook) combined with the weight of the cord 210 provide athreshold amount of force on the raised ridge and front flange hook (oron the raised ridge and back-flanged hook) as to securely maintain theraised ridge and front flange hook (or on the raised ridge andback-flanged hook) on top of display screen 204.

In another embodiment, the positioning component 212 and cord 210 may becoupled with connector elements (not shown). The connecting elements canform, for example, a recess and a key arrangement between the cord 210and the positioning component 212. A magnet can be positioned in one ofthe recess and the key and a material to which the magnet is attractedin the other of the recess and the key, thereby magnetically couplingthe positioning component 212 and cord 210. In the example, when thecord 210 and positioning component 212 are magnetically coupled, thetotal weight of the cord 210 and positioning component 212 provides athreshold amount of force on the positioning component 212 as tosecurely maintain the positioning component 212 on top of the displayscreen 204. In another example, the connecting elements can form arecess and a key arrangement between the cord 210 and the positioningcomponent 212, wherein the recess and the key arrangement can includeinterlocking elements and at least one element can be configured torelease the interlocking elements. In this example, when the cord 210and positioning component 212 are coupled via interlocking elements, thecombined weights of the cord 210 and positioning component 212 exertsthe threshold amount of force on the positioning component 212 tosecurely maintain the positioning component 212 on top of the displayscreen 204.

The positioning component 212 can allow the camera 214 to be positionedabout various points over display screen 204 to fall within the gaze 222of the second user 216, such that the eye contact target 215 is withinthe field of view of the camera 214 and eye-to-eye alignment 208 isestablished between the first user 218 and second user 216. In variousembodiments, the positioning component 212 can be moved horizontallyacross the display screen 204 to adjust the horizontal position of thecamera 214, for example, to bring the camera 214 within a specifieddistance of the eye contact target 215. Positioning component 212 may bedisengaged from its current position on display screen 204, relocated tothe right or left of its current position along the top edge of displayscreen 204, and releasably re-engaged with display screen 204 at its newposition. For example, in the situation where positioning component 212is a bracket clip (as shown in the example), the clip may be pulled backto release its grip on the top edge of display screen 204. When thebracket clip is relocated to the right or left of its previous position,the clip may be sprung forward to grip (e.g., releasably re-engage with)the edge of the display screen 204 at its new location. In anotherexample, positioning component 212 may be slid, rolled, etc. along thetop edge of display 204 to the right or left of its current position tomove the camera 214 horizontally across the display screen 204.

As described above, the cord 210 can also be adjusted vertically acrossthe display screen 204 to adjust the vertical position of the camera214. For example, the position of camera 214 over the display screen 204can be raised or lowered by pulling cord 210 up or down, respectively(e.g., by passing the cord 210 through the positioning component 212 tothe back or front of display screen 204, respectively). When passing thecord 210 through positioning component 212, the positioning component212 remains in place (e.g., positioning component 212 remains securelyheld in its current position on display screen 204, under the tensioningexerted on the positioning component 212 that results from the combinedweights of the positioning component 212 and cord 210 exerted on thepositioning component 212).

The positioning component 212 and cord 210 can allow for rotationalstability of the camera 214. For example, tensioning on the positioningcomponent 212, resulting from the combined weights of the positioningcomponent 212 and cord 210 exerted on the positioning component 212,keeps the positioning component 212 securely positioned on displayscreen 204. In turn, because positioning component 212 is coupled tocord 210, the positioning component 212 securely maintains the position(e.g., rotational position, vertical, and/or horizontal position) of thecord 210 over the display screen 204. For example, the weight of thecord 210, the tensioning on the positioning component 212 coupled to thecord 210, or a combination thereof, can cause the cord 210 to hang tautover display screen 204, preventing the cord from twisting freely (e.g.,about a vertical axis) and thereby keeping the camera 214 from tilting,leaning, rotating, etc., about an axis parallel to the cord 210 (e.g.,camera 214 is restricted from rotating about the cord 210 to face awayfrom the second user 216 and toward the display screen 204 or off to theside of display screen 204, and so forth).

FIG. 3A illustrates example 300 of components of a camera positioningsystem in accordance with various embodiments. In the example, apositioning component 312 is coupled to a cord 310. Positioningcomponent 312 may be coupled to the cord 310 via a magnetic assist,friction assist, an adhesive assist, among others. In an embodiment, thecord is threaded into a back end of a horizontal base (also referred toas horizontal beam) of the positioning component 312 and through a frontend of the horizontal base, wherein a front end of the cord can hangdown from the front of the horizontal base and attach to a camera 308.The cord 310 can include a first end 311 (e.g., front end) and secondend 309, wherein the first end 311 of the cord includes a camera 308,while the second end 309 provides for releasable engagement with adisplay screen (e.g., 304 as illustrated in FIG. 3B). The camera 308 mayinclude a lens 314. The camera 308 may include in certain embodiments animage processor 313. The cord 310 allows for power to be transmittedfrom display screen 304 to camera 308, as well as image and/or audiodata to be transmitted between the camera 308 and display screen 304. Inan embodiment, the first end 311 of cord 310 can be rigid as to maintainthe position of the first end 311 (and the position of the camera 308)against the display screen 304. For example, a rigid first end 311 canprovide rotational stability to the camera 308, wherein the rigidity ofthe first end 311 prevents the first end 311 and the attached camera 308from twisting or spinning freely (e.g., about a vertical axis). Securelymaintaining camera 308 in a stable rotational position ensures thatcamera 308 remains positioned at a particular angle, such as transverseto and away from the face of the display screen 304 (e.g., camera lens314 is angled directly toward a user, not shown, who is facing displayscreen 304 in a video communication), to allow lens 314 to continuouslycapture the gaze of the user within the field of view of the camera 308throughout the video communication.

In another embodiment, the first end 311 of cord 310 can be a flexiblecord encased in a rigid hollow structure that is attached to positioningcomponent 312. In yet another embodiment, cord 310 may be substantiallyflat, as to maintain its position against the display screen 304. Forexample, when the first end 311 of a substantially flat cord 310 hangstaut from the positioning component 312, the tautness and thesubstantial flatness of the cord 310 prevents the first end 311 fromtwisting or spinning freely (e.g., about a vertical axis) against thedisplay screen 304.

In an embodiment, positioning component 312 is a bracket clip that canbe positioned on a top edge of the display screen 304, and includes clip317 and a hinge 318. In an example, hinge 318 may be held in a closedposition by a spring, such as a torsional spring. By default (e.g., whenpositioning component 312 is disengaged from the display screen 304),the bracket clip is in a closed position. For example, clip 317 canswing shut against (e.g., parallel to) the horizontal base portion ofthe positioning component 312 by rotating about the hinge 318 (e.g.,toward the first end 311 of the cord 310) under the force of the springwithin hinge 318. Pulling the clip 317 back (e.g., away from the firstend 311 and toward the second end 309 of the cord 310) and resisting thespring will open the bracket clip and prepare the bracket clip to beengaged with (e.g., clip onto) the display screen 304.

FIG. 3B illustrates a perspective view 320 of the camera positioningsystem positioned on a top edge of display screen 304. In the example, abase portion of positioning component 312 is seated on the top edge ofdisplay screen 304, wherein the top edge of the display screen 304 isgripped between the first end 311 of the cord 310 and the clip 317pressing against the back of the display screen 304 under the pressureof a spring within hinge 318. In an embodiment, the weight of thepositioning component 312, combined with the weight of the cord 310provide a threshold amount of force on positioning component 312 tosecurely maintain positioning component 312 in its position on the topedge of display screen 304. For example, the weight of positioningcomponent 312 is exerted on the top edge of display screen 304, whilethe weight of the first end 311 of the cord 310 provides tension on thefront end 311of the positioning component 312 simultaneously while theweight of the second end 309 of the cord 310 provides tension on theback end of the positioning component 312, as to keep positioningcomponent 312 in place on the top edge of the display screen 304. If theposition of display screen 304 is adjusted (e.g., tilted downward,upward, left or right), the tensioning from the combined weights of thepositioning component 312 and the cord 310 will hold positioningcomponent 312 in place as to prevent the positioning component 312 fromslipping off the display screen. The tensioning from the combinedweights of the positioning component 312 and the cord 310 can alsomaintain the threshold amount of force on the positioning component 312on top of the display screen 304 as to prevent disturbances to thestability of the positioning component 312 on the display screen whenadjustments are made to the camera 308 (e.g., camera is lowered orraised vertically across the display screen 304, camera 308 is rotatedright or left about a vertical axis, or positioning component 312 isslid to the right or left of the display screen 304 as to change thehorizontal position of the camera 308 over the display screen 304, andso forth). In another example, weights may be added to the positioningcomponent 312, the first end 311 of the cord 310, the second end 309 ofthe cord 310, or a combination thereof, to balance the tensioning on thepositioning component 312 and cord 310 and the center of gravity of thepositioning component 312 and cord 310, so that the combined weights ofthe positioning component 312 and cord 310 prevent the positioningcomponent 312 from leaning and falling forward or backward off thedisplay screen 304, or from sliding to the left or right if the top edgeof the display screen 304 is not level.

In the example, the position of camera 308 can be adjusted vertically,horizontally, or a combination thereof, to capture the user's gaze atdisplay screen 304, for example, if the user moves his gaze to followthe eye contact target (e.g., the eyes of the onscreen image of theother participant in the video communication) because the eye contacttarget has moved to a different location on display screen 304. Forexample, the first end 311 of cord 311 can be lowered (e.g., by pullingthe first end 311 of the cord 310 downward across display screen 304, orby affixing additional cord segments to a rigid first end 311, slidingcamera 308 and image processor 313 down along the rigid first end 311,etc.) to lower the camera 308, or the first end 311 can be raised (e.g.,removing cord segments from a rigid first end 311, sliding the camera308 and image processor 313 up along the rigid first end 311, etc.) toraise the camera 308. Positioning component 312 may be slid to the leftor right across the top edge of display screen 304 to adjust thehorizontal position of the camera 308. In another example, positioningcomponent 312 may be disengaged (e.g., open clip 317 to release the gripof the bracket clip from the top edge of display screen 304) from itscurrent position on display screen 304, and releasably re-engaged (e.g.,close clip 317 so that the bracket clip can grip the top edge of displayscreen 304) the positioning component 312 with display screen 304 at anew position.

In another embodiment, the cord 310 may include a hinge to allow radialarticulation of the position of camera 308. For example, cord 310 mayinclude a plurality of cord segments. In an embodiment, a cord segmentmay correspond to different sections of cord 310. The cord segments canbe of different lengths. For example, cord segments proximate to thecamera 308 end of the cord 310 (e.g., cord segments along the first end311) may be shorter in length than cord segments near a middle portionof cord 310. In another example, a cord segment can couple with camera308. In certain embodiments, camera 308 and image processor 313 can bepart of the cord segment. The cord segments can be associated with oneor more features. For example, a cord segment may include a hinge tobend (e.g., pivot) with respect to adjacent cord segments. The hingeallows a cord segment hanging below the hinge (e.g., a cord segmentbetween the hinge and camera 308) to pivot about the hinge (e.g., aboutan axis parallel to a longitudinal direction of positioning component312). The position of camera 308 can be radially articulated about thehinge as desired by the user. For example, camera 308 can be swung bythe cord segment (e.g., about an axis through the hinge and transverseto the face of display screen 304) radially across the face of displayscreen 304.

FIG. 3C illustrates a side view 340 of the camera positioning systempositioned on a top edge of display screen 304. In the example, videodisplay connector 324 at the second end 309 of the cord 310 provides forreleasable engagement between the cord 310 (and further, the camera 308and image processor 313) and one of a computing device or a componentcoupled to the computing device, for example, display screen 304. Thevideo display connector 324 connects the cord 310 with display screen304. Cord 310 allows for power to be transmitted from display screen 304to camera 308, as well as image and/or audio data to be transmittedbetween the camera 308 and display screen 304. The video displayconnector 324 may include a USB port, parallel port, HDMI, Ethernet, orany other way of passing image data between a cable and computingdevice.

In the example, positioning component 312 is securely maintained in itsposition on the top edge of display screen 304 through tensioning (e.g.,the combined weights of the positioning component 312 and the cord 310provide a threshold amount of force on the positioning component 312 ontop of display screen 304), wherein display screen 304 is perpendicularto a level horizontal plane. In an embodiment, an equal amount of forcecan be exerted on the front end of positioning component 312 (e.g.,resulting from the weight of the first end 311 of cord 310 hanging downfrom positioning component 312 in front of display screen 304) as on theback end of positioning component 312 (e.g., resulting from the weightof the second end 309 of cord 310 hanging down from positioningcomponent 312 behind display screen 304), to securely maintainpositioning component 312 in its position on top of display screen 304.When display screen 304 is tilted (e.g., tilted upward or downward, orside to side), the equal tensioning on the front and back ends ofpositioning component 312 keeps positioning component 312 stable (e.g.,prevents positioning component 312 from falling off display screen 304).

FIG. 4A illustrates an example 400 camera component in a camerapositioning system in accordance with various embodiments. In theexample, camera 408 is attached to cord 410. The camera 408 may bepositioned over a display device (also referred to as a display screen,such as display device 404 as shown in FIG. 4C) and include a lens 414to capture the gaze of a first user (e.g., a local user) looking at aneye contact target (e.g., eyes of an onscreen image of a second user,such as a remote user, in a video communication) displayed on thedisplay device 404. The camera 408 may include, in certain embodiments,an image processor 413 to process image data of the user facing displaydevice 404 and communicating through the video communication, forexample, image processor 413 processes and transmits to the second user(e.g., via a video communication application) image data of the firstuser communicating and establishing eye contact with the second user.

The cord 410 can be associated with a number of properties, such as aflexibility or pliability property, a stiffness property, a firmnessproperty, an extensibility property, a size or thinness property, aflatness property, and so forth. In certain embodiments, the cord 410may be substantially flat, as to maintain its position, and the positionof the camera 408, against the display screen 304. For example, theflatness of cord 410 can prevent the cord 410 and the attached camera408 from twisting or spinning freely (e.g., about a vertical axis,diverting focus of the lens 414 away from the user's gaze). In anotherembodiment, the housing of the camera 408 may be associated with atleast one or more features. For example, camera 408 may havesubstantially flat edges (e.g., the back of camera 408 may besubstantially flat) as to maintain its position (e.g., rotationalposition) against display device 404.

In another embodiment, the cord 410 may include a hinge to allow radialarticulation of the position of camera 408. For example, cord 410 mayinclude a plurality of cord segments. In an embodiment, a cord segmentmay correspond to different sections of cord 410. The cord segments canbe of different lengths. For example, cord segments proximate to thecamera 408 end of the cord 410 may be shorter in length than cordsegments near a middle portion of cord 410. In another example, a cordsegment (e.g., on an end opposite the end of the cord that incudesconnecting elements that provide for releasable engagement between thecamera 408 and a computing device, such as display device 404) cancouple with camera 408. In certain embodiments, camera 408 and imageprocessor 413 can be part of the cord segment. The cord segments can beassociated with one or more features. For example, the cord segments maybe rigid. A cord segment may include a hinge (not shown) to pivot withrespect to adjacent cord segments. The hinge allows a cord segmenthanging below the hinge (e.g., a cord segment between the hinge andcamera 408) to pivot about the hinge (e.g., about an axis parallel to alongitudinal direction of positioning component 412). The position ofcamera 408 can be radially articulated about the hinge, for example,camera 408 can swing by the cord segment (e.g., about an axis throughthe hinge and transverse to the face of display device 404) radiallyacross the face of display device 404.

FIG. 4B illustrates an example 420 positioning component 412 in a camerapositioning system in accordance with various embodiments. Positioningcomponent 412 may be associated with one or more features, such as beingmanufactured from one of a plurality of different materials (e.g.,metal, plastic, wood, composite, etc.), frame structure, and so forth.As shown in the example, a frame structure of positioning component 412is shaped in a u-bracket. It should be noted that although thepositioning component 412 is shaped like a u bracket, the positioningcomponent can take the shape of any one of a number of frame structures.For example, the positioning component can be a clip, a magneticbracket, clamp, and so forth. The positioning component 412 is operableto mount to a display device 404, for example, by fitting the jaws ofpositioning component 412 over the top edge of the display device 404.Positioning component 412 may also be associated with a braceflexibility score and a brace force score. A brace flexibility score canquantify a level of flexibility of the brace opening (e.g., mouth orjaw) of a positioning component to accommodate different display screensof varying thickness, with respect to a baseline or reference braceflexibility score. For example, a low brace flexibility score canindicate that the jaws of a positioning component are fixed (e.g.,cannot open or close beyond its current state, and can therefore befitted onto a display screen edge of a specific thickness or less),while a high brace flexibility score can indicate that the jaws can beflexibly opened, stretched, unfolded, etc. (e.g., can passively befitted onto a display screen edge of a specific thickness and can alsobe stretched open wider to be fitted onto a thicker display screenedge). The brace flexibility score may correspond to a flexibility orpliability property of a material of the positioning component. In anexample, a positioning component manufactured from a flexible plasticmay have a high brace flexibility score, for example, the jaws of theu-bracket can be stretched wider to accommodate a thicker displayscreen. In another example, a positioning component manufactured from astiff metal may have a low brace flexibility score, for example, thejaws of the u-bracket cannot be stretched and can only be passivelyfitted onto a display screen edge of a limited range of thickness.

A brace force score can quantify a maximum level of force that can beapplied by the positioning component 412 onto the display device 404. Inother words, the brace force score can quantify how tightly thepositioning component grips a display screen with respect to a baselineor reference brace force score (for example, a passive grip exerted bystiff or unmovable jaws). For example, a low brace force score canindicate that the positioning component has a weak or passive grip overthe display screen edge, or may require additional support to secure thepositioning component over the display screen edge, such as tensioningresulting from the combined weights of a positioning component coupledto the cord, described further below. A high brace force score canindicate that the positioning component exerts at least a thresholdlevel of force in gripping the display screen edge. In an example, apositioning component with a brace force score within a predeterminedrange may include padding (e.g., silicon pads, rubber pads, and thelike) attached to its jaws to prevent damage to the display screen whenmounted.

In certain embodiments, positioning component 412 may include at leastone notch, such as notches 422 and 424, for coupling the cord 410 to thepositioning component 412. The cord 410 passes through notch 422 on aback portion of positioning component 412, which directs cord 410 over atop portion of positioning component 412 and through notch 424 on afront portion of positioning component 412. Passing cord 410 through thenotches in this manner provides a threshold amount of force onpositioning component 412 (e.g., the bracket) such that the forcepressure exerted on positioning component 412 allows positioningcomponent 412 to maintain a secure position on the display device 404.

Referring now to FIG. 4C, example 440 illustrates positioning component412 coupled to cord 410 in an example arrangement of the camerapositioning system on a display screen 404. In this example, thepositioning component 412 is coupled to cord 410 at coupling points 442and 444. Coupling points 442 and 444 may securely couple positioningcomponent 412 with the cord 410 by one of a plurality of coupling means,such as a frictional assist, adhesive assist, magnetic assist, amongothers. In this example, weaving cord 410 through notches 422 and 424results in frictional force between cord 410 and positioning component412 (e.g., where cord 410, while being strapped to its woven position bythe weight of positioning component 412, exerts frictional force on topof positioning component 412 between coupling points 442 and 444),wherein the frictional force securely couples the cord 410 andpositioning component 412.

In certain embodiments, the position of positioning component 412 overthe top edge of display device 404 is securely maintained throughtensioning exerted on positioning component 412 by the coupledpositioning component 412 and cord 410. Tensioning may be measured bythe combined weights of the coupled positioning component 412 and cord410, wherein the combined weights provide a threshold amount of force onthe positioning component 412 over the edge of the display device 404.The threshold amount of force can be an amount force required to holdpositioning component 412 in place as to prevent the positioningcomponent 412 from slipping off the display device 404, for example,when display device 404 is stationary, or is tilted backward, forward,etc. In an embodiment, an equal amount of force can be exerted on thefront end of positioning component 412 (e.g., resulting from the weightof the cord 410 hanging down from positioning component 412 at couplingpoint 444) as on the back end of positioning component 412 (e.g.,resulting from the weight of the cord 410 hanging down from positioningcomponent 412 at coupling point 442), to securely maintain positioningcomponent 412 in its position on top of display device 404. When displaydevice 404 is tilted (e.g., tilted upward or downward, or side to side),the equal tensioning on coupling points 442 and 444, combined with theweight of positioning component 412 directly over the top edge ofdisplay device 404, keeps positioning component 412 stable (e.g.,prevents positioning component 412 from falling off display device 404).

In other embodiments, one or more rigid slidable attachments can coupleto the cord 410 using, for example, clip fasteners, hook and loopfasteners, adhesive, etc. The rigid slidable attachment, in an example,can assist at least a portion of the cord 410 in maintaining a positionand/or direction. For example, the slidable attachment can assist inmaintaining a substantially straight hanging position when the camera408 is hanging from a display device (e.g., display device 404). Morespecifically, the slidable attachment can reduce bowing or bending ofthe cord 410 when hanging from the display device 404. The slidableattachment can further provide weight to help maintain a position andkeep the cord 410 flat when, for example, the camera 408 is hanging infront of the display device 404 by the cord 410. The slidable attachmentmay include, for example, a plurality of rubber or other skid resistantfeet extending along the cord 410. During use, each skid resistant footinteracts with display device 404 or other support surface toselectively maintain the position of camera 408 upon the display device404 and to decrease or prevent inadvertent movement of camera 408 withrespect to the display device 404.

FIG. 4D illustrates another example 450 positioning component 452 in acamera positioning system in accordance with various embodiments. Inthis example, a frame structure of positioning component 452 is shapedas a notched bracket, wherein the notched bracket includes a horizontalbeam (also referred to as a horizontal base), with a series of notches462, 464 along a length of the horizontal beam, wherein each notch maybe associated with a display edge size (e.g., a notch 462 closer to thevertical rigid hollow structure 456 corresponds to a smaller displayedge thickness, whereas a notch 464 farther from the vertical rigidhollow structure 456 corresponds to a large display edge thickness).Positioning component 452 includes vertical rigid hollow structure 456attached to the front of the horizontal beam, wherein the bottom end ofthe vertical rigid hollow structure 456 is attached to a camera housing.In the example, the camera housing includes camera 408 and imageprocessor 413. Cord 410 is coupled with positioning component 452, bythreading cord 410 from a top front end of the horizontal beam and downthrough the vertical rigid hollow structure 456, wherein cord 410 iscoupled to camera 408 (e.g., connected as to allow image and/or audiodata to be from camera 408 through cord 410 or vice versa). In anembodiment, cord 410 may be a flexible cord that is encased in orpartially encased in the vertical rigid hollow structure 456. Therigidity of the vertical rigid hollow structure 456 prevents the cord410 from inadvertent movement (e.g., bending or bowing), therebymaintaining camera 408 in a stable position (e.g., preventinginadvertent movement of the camera, such as rotating or swinging) overan operative region of the display screen.

FIG. 4E illustrates example 460 of example 460 of positioning component452 positioned on a display device 405 in accordance with variousembodiments. Although a laptop is shown as display device 405 in theexample, any other computing device with a display screen on which imagedata may appear may be used. In the example, the vertical rigid hollowstructure 456 directs camera 408 to an operative region of the displaydevice 405. In the embodiment, the position of positioning component 452may be secured by a tensioning device. A tensioning device may be acomponent which has a predetermined weight and, when coupled with thepositioning component 452, compounds its weight with the weight of thepositioning component 452 into a combined weight and exerts the combinedweight on the positioning component 452. In an embodiment, coupling thetensioning device with the positioning component 452 allows thetensioning device to transfer the force of the combined weight onto thepositioning component 452, wherein the force is a threshold amount offorce needed to securely maintain the positioning component 452 securelyits position on the display device 405. In an example, cord 410 is thetensioning device, the cord 410 being coupled to positioning component452 by passing a second end of the cord 410 through a notch 462 andthreading a first end of cord 410 through a length of the vertical rigidhollow structure 456. The weight of the cord 410 combined with theweight of positioning component 452 exerts a threshold amount of forceonto positioning component 452 as to maintain positioning component 452in its secure position on a top edge of display device 405, therebypreventing the positioning component 452 from slipping off the displaydevice 405, for example, when display device 405 is stationary, or istilted backward, forward, etc.

In another embodiment, an equal amount of force can be exerted on thevertical rigid hollow structure 456 (e.g., resulting from the weight ofthe cord hanging down from a front end of positioning component 452,through the vertical rigid hollow structure 456) as on the back end ofpositioning component 452 (e.g., resulting from the weight of the cordhanging from a back end of positioning component 452, such as throughnotch 462), to securely maintain positioning component 452 in itsposition on top of display device 804. In yet another embodiment, avideo display connector is attached to the second end of cord 410,wherein the video display connector releasably engages the cord 410 withthe display device 405. The video display connector allows for power,image data, and/or audio data to be transmitted between the camera 408and display device 405, through cord 410. Cord 410 may be associatedwith various levels of tautness along a plurality of portions of thecord 410. For example, the second end of cord 410 may have a firsttautness level resulting from releasably engaging the video displayconnector (e.g., on a second end, also referred to as a back end, ofcord 410) and hanging a middle portion of the cord 410 through notch462. Meanwhile, the first end of cord 410 may have a second tautnesslevel resulting from the weight of the vertical rigid hollow structure456 and camera 408 coupled to the cord 410 and hanging down from thefirst end of the cord 410. A combination of the weight of thepositioning component 452, the first tautness level and second tautnesslevel of the cord 410, wherein cord 410 is coupled with positioningcomponent 452, distributes a plurality of levels of force along a lengthof positioning component 452 against the display device 405, wherein thedistribution of the plurality of levels of force amounts to thethreshold amount of force exerted onto the positioning component 452 asa whole as to securely balance the position of the positioning component452 on the display device 405.

In an embodiment, the positioning component 452 may also be associatedwith a mount width threshold. A mount width threshold quantifies themaximum width of a display device edge that the positioning component452 can accommodate. For example, the mount width threshold of apositioning component may be determined by the width of the portion ofthe horizontal beam portion of the positioning component that makescontact with a planar surface of an edge of the display device 405(e.g., width of the horizontal beam of positioning component 452 betweenthe back side of vertical rigid hollow structure 456 and a notch 462through which cord 410 is passed). In another embodiment, the mountwidth threshold may be a range of a minimum and maximum widths ofvarious display device edges which positioning component 452 canaccommodate. For example, positioning component 452 may include aplurality of notches 462, 464, and so forth, wherein each notchcorresponds to a predetermined mount width. Passing cord 410 through anotch 462 closest to the vertical rigid hollow structure 456 can be theminimum mount width of positioning component 452. That is, the thinnestedge of a display device which positioning component 452 can accommodatehas a width that can fit between vertical rigid hollow structure 456 andnotch 462, such as display device 405 having a thin display screen asshown in the example.

Referring now to FIG. 4F, passing cord 410 through a notch 464 farthestaway from the vertical rigid hollow structure 456 can be the maximummount width of positioning component 452. That is, the thickest edge ofa display device which positioning component 452 can accommodate has awidth that can fit between vertical rigid hollow structure 456 and notch464, such as display device 406. In an embodiment, the mount widththreshold of positioning component 452 may be adjusted, such thatpositioning component 452 can be used for a plurality of displaydevices. For example, cord 410 can be pass through other notches, suchas notch 462 to fit positioning component 452 over a display device witha thin edge, notch 464 to fit positioning component 452 over a displaydevice with a thick edge, or other notches in between, to fitpositioning component 452 over a display device with an edge having athickness greater than the minimum mount width and less than the maximummount width of the positioning component 452. In another embodiment, acord 410 passed through a notch can be remain coupled to the notch byone of a plurality of coupling means, such as a frictional assist,adhesive assist, magnetic assist, among others. In yet anotherembodiment, cord 410 can be looped or wrapped around a notch. Also inanother embodiment, cord 410 can be passed through a first notch andlooped around the remaining notches (e.g., the notches for displaydevices with edges thicker than the mount width threshold of the firstnotch). For example, cord 410 can be passed through a notch 462 to fitpositioning component 452 over a thin display device 405, while aportion of the remaining cord 410 can be wrapped through the remainingnotches through notch 464.

FIG. 5 illustrates example 500 of a camera component in a camerapositioning system in accordance with various embodiments. In theexample, camera 508 is attached to cord 510, wherein cord 510 includes afirst end 511 and second end 509, and wherein cord 510 is coupled topositioning component 512. When positioning component is mounted on atop edge of a display screen (not shown), the camera 508 may bepositioned over the display screen. Although positioning component 512is shown as a bracket clip with hinge 517 supported by a spring hinge518, positioning component 512 can include other frame structures, asdiscussed in further detail in FIGS. 6A, 6B, 6C, and 6D. Camera 508includes a lens 514 to capture the gaze of a first user (e.g., a localuser) looking at an eye contact target (e.g., eyes of an onscreen imageof a second user, such as a remote user, in a video communication)displayed on the display screen. In the example, the camera 508 mayinclude an image processor 513 to process image data of the user facingthe display screen and communicating through the video communication,for example, image processor 513 processes and transmits to the seconduser (e.g., via a video communication application) image data of thefirst user communicating and establishing eye contact with the seconduser. An adapter ring 520 allows for lens 514 to be swapped with adifferent lens, for example, when a different field of view is desired(e.g., increase or decrease number of degrees of visual angle that canbe covered by a lens) or other effects are desired from different lenstypes (e.g., wide angle lens, specialty lens such as fisheye lens,etc.). In certain embodiments, adapter ring 520 can also adjust focus ormagnification of the lens, for example, to sharpen or magnify the imageof the user facing display screen.

Cord 510 can be associated with a number of properties, including, forexample, a flexibility or pliability property, a stiffness property, afirmness property, an extensibility property, a size or thinnessproperty, etc. For example, cord 510 may be a rigid cord. In anotherexample, cord 510 may be a flexible cord that is encased in or partiallyencased in a hollow rigid tube. In yet another example, cord 510 mayinclude a plurality of cord segments, wherein one or more cord segmentscan be flexible. In this example, one or more flexible cord segments canbe coupled with camera 508 on an end opposite the end of the cord thatincludes connecting elements that provide for releasable engagementbetween the camera and a computing device (or a component coupled to thecomputing device). The flexible cord segment(s) can be adjusted to varythe position of camera 508. For example, the flexible cord or cordsegment(s) can be adjusted to change a location of the camera 508 from afirst location to a second location. For example, one or more cordsegments may be associated with a rigidity score, which quantifies alevel of flexibility of an entire cord, a cord segment, or a combinationof cord segments. The rigidity score can measure how rigid the cord or acord segment is with respect to a baseline or reference rigidity score.For example, a cord with a high rigidity score can indicate that thecord or cord segment(s) is not flexible. Thus, a higher threshold levelof adjustment force is needed to bend, shape, or adjust the cord or cordsegment(s). In various embodiments, the rigidity score can be set tosupport a weight of the cord (or at least an appropriate portion of thecord) and camera such that once the cord or cord segment is adjusted,the cord or cord segment maintains position until manually readjusted,such as in the situation of a user readjusting the cord or cord segment.That is, the cord or cord segment(s) is formed of a plastic, wood,metal, composite, or laminated material sufficiently rigid forsupporting camera 508. Additionally, the cord can be sized and shaped tosufficiently balance the weight of camera 508 and cord to preventinstability of camera 508. Accordingly, the cord and cord segment(s) canbe associated with a rigidity score that enables a stable position ofthe camera 508 once the cord is adjusted. A stable position, forexample, includes the situation where camera movement is within athreshold amount of movement. This can include, for example, decreasingor preventing inadvertent movement of camera 508 with respect to thedisplay screen or other support surface, such as preventing the cordfrom twisting or spinning freely (e.g., about a vertical axis) andthereby preventing camera 508 from inadvertently changing its rotationalorientation (e.g., prevents lens 514 from rotating its focus away fromthe user facing the display screen). In another example, a stableposition can include the situation where the camera cord does not bendor bow once hanging or extending (e.g., substantially perpendicular to atop perimeter of a display screen) from a top portion of a computingdevice monitor. In accordance with various embodiments, the cord and/orcord segments can be manufactured from one of a plurality of differentmaterials to allow for a plurality of rigidity scores. In yet anotherexample, the housing of the camera 508 may have substantially flat edges(e.g., the back of camera 508 and/or image processor 513 may besubstantially flat) as to stably maintain the position (e.g., rotationalposition) of the camera 508 against the display screen.

In another embodiment, cord 510 may include an adjustable swivel at itsfirst end 511 proximate to the camera 508, to allow for controlledadjustments to the rotational position of the camera 508, for example,to allow camera 508 to capture image data from various orientations thatcollectively amount to a 180-degree field of view of the display screen.For example, an adjustable swivel may be an adjustable friction swivel,a swivel with click stops, and the like. The adjustable swivel allowscamera 508 to be rotated at predefined angles about a vertical axis(e.g., by temporarily locking the camera 508 in its rotational positionthrough a frictional assist, click stop, etc.), while preventinginstability of the camera 508 (e.g., preventing camera 508 from spinningfreely about a vertical axis).

In certain embodiments, cord 510 includes rigid and flexible portions.In an example, a rigid portion can include a first end and a second endopposite the first end. In an embodiment, the rigid portion can extendfrom a first end in a substantially vertical manner (i.e., perpendicularto a top portion of a display screen). A flexible portion also includesa first end and a second end opposite the first end. In an embodiment,the first end of the flexible portion can be coupled to the second endof the rigid portion. The portions can range in size. For example, arigid portion may be eight inches long and a flexible portion may beabout 15 inches long. In this example, the flexible portion couples withcamera 508. The flexible or gooseneck nature of the flexible portion canallow camera 508 to be adjusted to alter the orientation of camera 508.

In another embodiment, the cord 510 (e.g., the first end 511 of the cord510) may include a hinge to allow radial articulation of the position ofcamera 508. For example, cord 510 may include a plurality of cordsegments. In an embodiment, a cord segment may correspond to differentsections of cord 510. The cord segments can be of different lengths. Forexample, cord segments along the first end 511 of cord 510 (e.g., cordsegments proximate to the camera 508 end of the cord 510) may be shorterin length than cord segments near a middle portion of cord 510 orsegments toward a second end 509 of cord 510. In another example, a cordsegment (e.g., on the first end 511 of cord 510) can couple with camera508. In certain embodiments, camera 508 and image processor 513 can bepart of the cord segment. The cord segments can be associated with oneor more features. For example, a cord segment may include a hinge tobend (e.g., pivot) with respect to adjacent cord segments. The hingeallows a cord segment hanging below the hinge (e.g., a cord segmentbetween the hinge and camera 508) to pivot about the hinge (e.g., aboutan axis parallel to a longitudinal direction of positioning component512). The position of camera 508 can be radially articulated about thehinge as desired by the user. For example, camera 508 can be swung bythe cord segment (e.g., about an axis through the hinge and transverseto the face of display screen 504) radially across the face of a displayscreen. The position of camera 508 may also be adjusted horizontally orvertically across a display screen, described in further detail inFIGS.7A and 7B.

FIG. 6A illustrates an example 600 of a positioning component in acamera positioning system in accordance with various embodiments. Apositioning component may be associated with one or more features, forexample, a frame structure. In the example, a frame structure ofpositioning component 612 is shaped as a u-bracket. Although the exampleshows positioning component 612 shaped as a u-bracket, the positioningcomponent can take the shape of any one of a number of frame structures.For example, the positioning component can be a clip, a magneticbracket, clamp, and so forth, which are described in further detailbelow. The positioning component 612 is operable to mount to a displayscreen 604, for example, by fitting the jaws of positioning component612 over the top edge of the display screen 604.

Positioning component 612 may be associated with a brace flexibilityscore and a brace force score. A brace flexibility score can quantify alevel of flexibility of the brace opening (e.g., mouth or jaw) of apositioning component to accommodate different display screens ofvarying thickness, with respect to a baseline or reference braceflexibility score. For example, a low brace flexibility score canindicate that the jaws of a positioning component are fixed (e.g., canonly fit onto a display screen edge of a specific maximum thicknessbecause the jaws cannot open or close beyond its default state). A highbrace flexibility score can indicate that the jaws can be flexiblyopened, stretched, unfolded, etc., for example, jaws that can passivelybe fitted onto a display screen edge of a specific thickness and canalso be stretched open wider to be fitted onto a thicker display screenedge. The brace flexibility score may correspond to a flexibility orpliability property of a material of the positioning component. In anexample, a positioning component manufactured from a flexible plasticmay have a high brace flexibility score, for example, the jaws of theu-bracket can be stretched wider to accommodate a thicker displayscreen. In another example, a positioning component manufactured from astiff metal may have a low brace flexibility score, for example, thejaws of the u-bracket cannot be stretched and can only be passivelyfitted onto a display screen edge of a limited range of thickness.

A brace force score can quantify a maximum level of force that can beapplied by the positioning component 612 onto the display device 404.That is, the brace force score can quantify the pressure exerted by thepositioning component when gripping a display screen with respect to abaseline or reference brace force score (e.g., a passive grip exerted bystiff or unmovable jaws). For example, a low brace force score canindicate that the positioning component has a weak or passive grip overthe display screen edge, or may require additional support to secure thepositioning component over the display screen edge, such as tensioningresulting from the combined weights of a positioning component coupledto the cord, described further below. A high brace force score canindicate that the positioning component exerts at least a thresholdlevel of force in gripping the display screen edge. In an example, apositioning component with a brace force score within a predeterminedrange may include padding (e.g., silicon pads, rubber pads, and thelike) attached to its jaws to prevent damage to the display screen whenmounted. In the situation where positioning component 612 is composed ofa highly flexible material, such as a highly bendable metal or plastic,it may have a low brace force and would have a gentler grip on thedisplay screen 604 edge. On the other hand, in a situation wherepositioning component 612 is composed of a semi-flexible material, suchas a dense yet slightly flexible wood or plastic, it may have a higherbrace force and would have a tighter grip on the display screen 604edge, particularly when jaws of positioning component 612 are stretchedwider to accommodate a thicker display screen edge.

A positioning component may also be associated with a mount widththreshold. A mount width threshold represents the maximum width of adisplay screen edge that the positioning component can accommodate. Forexample, a positioning component 612 (e.g., a u-bracket) that iscomposed of a flexible material may be stretched wider to fit over athicker display screen edge and would have a higher mount widththreshold than a u-bracket of a same size and shape but composed of aninflexible material. A positioning component may also be associated witha mount depth threshold, which represents the maximum depth of a displayscreen edge that the positioning component can accommodate (e.g., howmuch of the edge is covered by positioning component). In an example, ahigher mount depth threshold may indicate that the jaws of positioningcomponent 612, when mounted on display screen 604, envelops a deeperportion of the display screen 604 edge than would a positioningcomponent with a lower mount depth threshold. However, a mount depththreshold that is too high may exceed a bezel width of a display screen(or other computing device or component coupled to a computing device),for example, a positioning component with a high mount depth may havejaws, when mounted onto a display screen, that grip the display screenbeyond the bezel and obstruct a portion of a viewable area (e.g., anarea of a display screen where image content can appear) of the displayscreen 604.

In certain embodiments, a positioning component may further beassociated with a tensioning ratio. A tensioning ratio can quantify therelative weights exerted by a front portion (e.g., first end) of a cord,a back portion (e.g., second end) of the cord, and the positioningcomponent, wherein the combined weights on the positioning componentsecurely maintains its position on top of the display device 604. Thatis, the tensioning ratio may include a ratio of a first weight (e.g.,first end of cord), a second weight (e.g., second end of cord), and athird weight (e.g., positioning component). The tensioning ratioquantifies the distribution of weight in a coupled positioning componentand cord combination that is needed to provide a threshold amount offorce over the positioning component as to securely maintain theposition of the positioning component on the display device. In anexample, a tensioning ratio identifies an optimal balance of tensioningon the coupled positioning component 612 and cord combination, and thecenter of gravity of the coupled positioning component 612 and cordcombination, so that the combined weights of the positioning component612 and cord do not cause the positioning component 612 to lean and fallforward or backward off the display device 604. In an embodiment, thefirst weight (e.g., of the first end of the cord) may include a weightof the camera attached to the first end. In another embodiment,supplemental weights (e.g., additional cord segments, weightedmaterials, etc.) may be added to or removed from to at least one of thefirst end of the cord, second end of the cord, or positioning componentto achieve the tensioning ratio required for the positioning component.

In the example, positioning component 612 is a u-bracket with twonotches, wherein the cord passes through a first notch on a back portionof the positioning component 612, which directs the cord over a topportion of positioning component 612 and through a second notch on afront portion of the positioning component 612. through which the cordmay be passed. In an embodiment, an equal amount of force can be exertedon the front end of positioning component 612 (e.g., resulting from theweight of the cord hanging down from the front notch in positioningcomponent 612 in front of display device 604) as on the back end ofpositioning component 612 (e.g., resulting from the weight of the cordhanging down from the back notch in positioning component 612 behinddisplay device 604), to securely maintain positioning component 612 inits position on top of display device 604. When display device 604 istilted (e.g., tilted upward or downward, or side to side), the equaltensioning on of the front and back portions of the cord on both notchesof positioning component 612, combined with the weight of positioningcomponent 612 directly over the top edge of display device 604, keepspositioning component 612 stable (e.g., prevents positioning component612 from falling off display device 604).

FIG. 6B illustrates example 620 of a positioning component that is abracket 622 attached to a spring-loaded retractor 624. In the example,the bracket 622 may hang on top and in front of the display device 604.The spring-loaded retractor 624 may hang on top of and behind thedisplay device 604. A cord can be fed through the spring-loadedretractor 624, through a back end to a front end of the bracket 622, andhung down in front of display device. The spring-loaded retractor 624 isoperable to retract, roll, and stow excess cord length. A cameraattached to the first end of the cord can limit the cord from beingremoved from the bracket 622 portion when the cord is retracted. Inanother embodiment, a stopper affixed to a portion of the cord that isproximate to the camera may limit the cord from being removed from thebracket 622 when the cord is retracted. The bracket 622 andspring-loaded retractor 624 allow for the cord to be raised or loweredvertically on the display device 604. In certain embodiments, the cordmay be associated with a flexibility or pliability property. In theexample, the cord is a flexible or semi-flexible material to allow forpulling and retraction of the cord and stowing of the cord as a rolledcord stored in the spring-loaded retractor 624. The bracket 622 andspring-loaded retractor 624 may also be adjusted horizontally, forhorizontal adjustment of the positions of the cord and camera. Forexample, the bracket 622 may be disengaged from its current position onthe display device, and releasably re-engaged with the display device ata new position.

In the example, the mount width threshold of the positioning componentmay be determined by the width of the portion of the bracket 622 thatmakes contact with a planar surface of an edge of the display device(e.g., width of the horizontal portion between the spring-loadedretractor 624 and a front lip of the bracket 622). A mount depththreshold can be determined by a height of the front lip (e.g., frontedge) of the bracket 622, a diameter of the spring-loaded retractor 624(and additionally a height of a back edge of the bracket 622 attached tothe spring-loaded retractor 624, in some embodiments), or a combinationthereof.

Also in the example, a tensioning ratio may be determined by identifyingthe distribution of weight of the coupled bracket 622 and spring-loadedretractor 624. For example, the weights may include a weight of thespring-loaded retractor 624 on a second end of the cord and a weight ofthe camera on the first end of the cord that are needed to properlybalance the front and back weights of the bracket 622 as to securelymaintain the position of the bracket 622 on the display device.

FIG. 6C illustrates an example 640 of a positioning component that is amagnet 642. In the example, the magnet 642 may be magnetically adheredto a cord, in a recess and key arrangement. That is, magnet 642 can bein one of the recess and the key, and a material to which the magnet isattracted can be in the other of the recess and the key. The recess andkey arrangement may further include interlocking connector elements. Asshown in the example, magnet 642 is affixed to a front surface of adisplay device. In another embodiment, magnet 642 can be in a recesswhile the key is a slidable attachment around the cord wherein the cordcan slide up or down through the key, enabling the position of thecamera (attached to the first end of the cord) to be vertically adjustedacross the display device. In yet another embodiment, amagnetically-attracted strip, such as a magnetic strip or a metal strip,or a series of magnetic recesses may be incorporated across a topportion of the front surface of the display device, wherein the back ofmagnet 642 may be releasably attached to the display device, and may berepositioned horizontally to adjust a horizontal position of the camera.

In the example, the magnet 642 may be securely positioned on the displaydevice when a tensioning ratio is achieved. For example, the tensioningratio may be determined based on the amount of magnetic force by whichthe magnet pulls the cord toward the display device, the amount ofmagnetic force (or other releasably adhesive force) by which the magnet642 is attached to the display device, and the weight of a back portion,middle portion (e.g., along the top edge of the display device) andfront portion of the cord. A balanced distribution of the forces exertedby the magnet 642 and the cord onto the magnet can keep the magneticallycoupled cord and magnet 642 securely maintained in their position ondisplay device. In another example, supplemental weights may be appliedto, for example, the backend of the cord to balance the forcedistribution to achieve the appropriate tensioning ratio as to securelymaintain the position of the magnet 642 and cord on the display device.

FIG. 6D illustrates an example 660 of a positioning component that is abracket clip 662. In the example, a cord is threaded into a back end ofa horizontal base (also referred to as a horizontal beam) of the bracketclip 662 and through a front end of the horizontal base, wherein a firstend of the cord can hang down from the front of the horizontal base andattach to a camera in front of the display device. In an embodiment, thefirst end of the cord can be rigid as to rotational stability to thecamera. That is, a rigid first end can maintain the position of thefirst end and the position of the camera against the display device,wherein the rigidity of the first end prevents the first end and theattached camera from turning freely (e.g., about a vertical axis). Inanother embodiment, the first end of the cord can be a flexible cordencased in a rigid hollow structure that is attached to the front end ofthe bracket clip 662.

In the example, bracket clip 662 can be positioned on a top edge of thedisplay device 604, bracket including a hinge and clip operable to gripthe edge of the display device 604. The hinge may be held in a closedposition (e.g., under a rotary force) by a spring, such as a torsionalspring (for example, a spiral wound torsion spring). That is, whenbracket clip 662 is disengaged from the display device 604, the clip canclamp shut against the horizontal base of the bracket clip 662 under thetorque of the spring in the hinge. Pulling the clip back (e.g.,resisting the torque of the spring) will open the bracket clip 662 to bereleasably engaged with (e.g., clip onto) the display device 604. Amount width threshold of the bracket clip 662 identifies the largestwidth of a display device edge which the bracket clip 662 canaccommodate (e.g., fit onto). In this example, the mount width thresholdof the bracket clip 662 may be determined by measuring the maximum rangeof motion of the bracket clip 662, that is, the widest distance the clipcan be opened (e.g., when torque of the spring is fully resisted).

In an example, the brace force score of the bracket clip 662 may becorrelated with a rotary force (e.g., torque) of the torsional spring inthe hinge. Accordingly, a spring with a high torque may have a highbrace force score, that is, the bracket clip under the force of thespring can have a forceful grip on a display device. In the situationwhere a bracket clip 662 exceeds a predetermined or threshold braceforce score, padding (e.g., rubberized contact points, silicon pads, andthe like) may be incorporated inside the jaws of the bracket clip (e.g.,along an edge of clip, under the bottom of the horizontal base, behind arigid cord, etc.) to prevent damage to the display device when grippedby bracket clip 662.

In certain embodiments, bracket clip 662 may be associated with atensioning ratio. In the example, the tensioning ratio may be determinedby identifying the distribution of weight of the bracket clip 662coupled with the cord and the force exerted on the bracket clip 662 bythe bracket clip 662 and cord. For example, the weights may include aweight of the spring-loaded retractor 624 on a second end of the cordand a weight of the camera on the first end of the cord that are neededto properly balance the front and back weights of the bracket 622 as tosecurely maintain the position of the bracket 622 on the display device.For example, the weight of bracket clip 662 can be exerted on the topedge of the display device 604, while the weight of the first end of thecord provides tension on the front end of the bracket clip 662simultaneously while the weight of the second end of the cord providestension on the back end of the bracket clip 662, as to keep bracket clip662 in place on the top edge of the device screen 604. If the positionof display device 604 is adjusted (e.g., tilted downward, upward, leftor right), the tensioning from the combined weights of the bracket clip662 and the cord will hold bracket clip 662 in place as to prevent thebracket clip 662 from falling off the display device 604. The tensioningratio can also identify the appropriate distribution of weight betweenbracket clip 662 and the cord to maintain the threshold amount of forceon the bracket clip 662 on top of the display device 604 as to preventdisturbances to the stability of the bracket clip 662 on the displaydevice 604 when adjustments are made to the camera (e.g., camera islowered or raised vertically across the display device 604, the camerais rotated right or left about a vertical axis, or bracket clip 662 isslid to the right or left of the display device 604 as to change thehorizontal position of the camera over the display device 604, and soforth). In an embodiment, an equal amount of force can be exerted on thefront end of the bracket clip 662 (e.g., resulting from the weight ofthe first end of the cord hanging down from bracket clip 662 in front ofdisplay device 604) as on the back end of the bracket clip 662 (e.g.,resulting from the weight of the second end of the cord hanging downfrom the bracket clip 662 behind display device 604), to securelymaintain the bracket clip 662 in its position on top of display device604. In another example, supplemental weights may be added to thebracket clip 662, the first end the cord 310, the second end of the cord310, or a combination thereof, to achieve the tensioning ratio (e.g.,balance the tensioning on the bracket clip 662 and cord and the centerof gravity of the bracket clip 662 and cord, so that the combinedweights of the bracket clip 662 and cord prevent the bracket clip 662from leaning and falling forward or backward off the display device 604,or from sliding to the left or right if the top edge of the displaydevice 604 is not level).

In another example, the position of the camera can be adjustedvertically, horizontally, or a combination thereof, to capture theuser's gaze at display device 604, for example, if the user moves hisgaze to follow the eye contact target (e.g., the eyes of the onscreenimage of the other participant in the video communication) because theeye contact target has moved to a different location on display device604. For example, the first end of the cord can be lowered or raised. Inthe situation where the first end of the cord is composed of flexiblematerial, the cord may be pulled downward (e.g., through toward thefront end of bracket clip 662) or upward (e.g., backward through theback end of the bracket clip 662), respectively, across the displaydevice 604. In the situation where the first end of the cord is a rigidcord or is a flexible cord encased in a rigid structure, the first endof the cord may be lowered by affixing additional cord segments to thefirst end of the cord, or raised by removing cord segments. In anotherembodiment, the camera may be slid up or down along a rigid cord.Bracket clip 662 may be slid to the left or right across the top edge ofdisplay device 604 to adjust the horizontal position of the camera. Inanother example, bracket clip 662 may be disengaged (e.g., release theclip) from its current position on display device 604, and releasablyre-engaged (e.g., clamp the clip) bracket clip 662 with display device604 at a new position.

In another embodiment, the cord may include a hinge to allow radialarticulation of the position of camera. For example, the cord mayinclude a plurality of cord segments, wherein each cord segmentcorresponds to a different section of the cord. A cord segment cancouple with the camera. A cord segment may include a hinge to bend(e.g., pivot) with respect to adjacent cord segments. The hinge allows acord segment hanging below the hinge (e.g., a cord segment between thehinge and camera) to pivot about the hinge (e.g., about an axis parallelto a longitudinal direction of the horizontal base of bracket clip 662).The position of the camera can be radially articulated about the hingeas desired by the user, for example, by swinging the camera by the cordsegment (e.g., about an axis through the hinge and transverse to theface of display device 604) radially across the face of display device604.

Although the positioning component as shown in FIG. 6D is a bracketclip, positioning component may take the shape of other framestructures. For example, in another embodiment, the positioningcomponent may be a double hook to hook onto the display device, whereinthe cord passes through a gap in the double hook. In another embodiment,the positioning component may include a front flange hook or aback-flange hook engaged with a raised ridge on the top edge of thedisplay device.

In yet another embodiment, the positioning component may include asocket. A pin extending from a slider may be affixed to the cord. Thepin may be inserted into the socket to support the cord from thepositioning component. The pin and socket may be held together byfrictional force. In certain embodiments, the pin may include arod-shaped element having at least one bend to locate the pin parallelto a longitudinal direction of the positioning component and displacedto one side of the positioning component. In various embodiments, thecord includes at least one bend to locate the camera within an operativeregion of the display screen.

In another embodiment, the positioning component may include a clamp,such as a spring clamp, a vice clamp, and so forth. A first end of thecord may be encased in a pole, wherein a camera is attached to thebottom of the pole and the pole can be adjustably slid verticallythrough the clamp to adjust a vertical position of the camera across thedisplay device. The pole can be secured in a vertical position along theclamp by one of a plurality of temporary placement locking means, suchas a frictional assist, magnetic assist, adhesive assist, and the like.

In yet another embodiment, the positioning component may include a clipthat can grip onto an edge of a display device. The clip may include atleast one handle with a hole through which the cord may be passedthrough to hang the camera in front of a display device and direct thecord (and accordingly the attached camera) to an operative region of thedisplay screen and.

FIG. 7A illustrates an example 700 position of a camera in a camerapositioning system in accordance with various embodiments. In theexample, a first user 718 (e.g., a remote user) and a second user (e.g.,a local user, not shown, facing forward toward the display device 704)participate in a video communication (also referred to as a videoconference) through video conference application window 706. The displaydevice 704 shows a front view of the video conference application window706 from the perspective of the second user 716. In this example, videoconference application window 706 presents an onscreen image of thefirst user 718 located near a top left portion of the display device704. In this example, camera 708 is positioned over the display device704 and within a target range of eye contact target 715 (e.g., the eyesof the onscreen image of the first user 718). The target range can bemeasured as a threshold distance, such as a maximum distance or optimaldistance (e.g., for optimal lens focus), between a point on the displaydevice and the eye contact target required for a camera lens positionedwithin the threshold distance of the eye contact target to capture thegaze of the onlooking user (e.g., first user facing display device 704)and establish eye-to-eye contact between the users in the videocommunication. Said differently, the lower limit of the target range canbe any point on the display device that is directly on the eye contacttarget, while an upper limit of the target range is the farthestdistance a camera lens may be positioned away from the eye contacttarget while still enabling the camera to capture the gaze of theonlooking user and establish eye-to-eye alignment. Accordingly, a camerapositioned beyond the target range will fail to capture the gaze of theonlooking user, resulting in misaligned eye contact between the users.In other embodiments, a target range may include a horizontal parameter(e.g., x-coordinate), vertical parameter (e.g., y-coordinate), a radialparameter (e.g., points within a radius of the eye contact target), or acombination thereof. For example, the target range may be drawn as aboundary around the eye contact target, wherein the boundary representsthe farthest points the camera 708 can be located with respect to theeye contact target and the boundary has the shape of one of a pluralityof boundary shapes (e.g., rectangular, circular, etc.).

To facilitate eye-to-eye alignment, the position of the camera may beadjusted horizontally, vertically, radially, rotationally, or acombination thereof, to maintain the camera within the target range ofthe eye contact target. In various embodiments, the camera may berepositioned horizontally by moving the positioning component 712horizontally across the top edge of display device 704, wherein thepositioning component 712 is coupled to cord 710 and a first end of thecord 710 is attached to camera 708. In an example, positioning component712 may be disengaged from its current position on display device 704,relocated to the right or left of its current position along the topedge of display device 704, and releasably re-engaged with displaydevice 704 at its new position. For example, in the situation wherepositioning component 712 is a bracket clip (or spring clamp, viceclamp, and the like), the jaws of bracket clip may be opened to releaseits grip on the top edge of display device 704. When the bracket clip isrelocated to the right or left of its previous position, the jaws of thebracket may grip (e.g., releasably re-engage with) the edge of thedisplay device 704 at its new location. In another example, positioningcomponent 712 may be slid, rolled, etc. along the top edge of displaydevice 704 to the right or left of its current position, for example, inthe situation where positioning component 712 is a u-bracket, a magnetthat is attached to a horizontal magnetic strip across the top frontedge of the display device 704, and the like.

In certain embodiments, the camera 708 may be repositioned vertically byvertically adjusting the cord 710. For example, the position of camera214 over the display device 704 can be raised or lowered by adjusting alength of a first end (e.g., front end) of the cord, such as by pullingcord 710 up or down, respectively (e.g., by passing the cord 710 throughthe positioning component 712 to the back or front of display device704, respectively). For example, if the first user 718 raises her seat,her onscreen image will move higher in the video conference applicationwindow 706, causing her eyes (e.g., the eye contact target 715) move toa higher position on display screen 704 than camera 708. To maintaineye-to-eye alignment when the second user moves his gaze upward and overcamera 708 to look at the eye contact target 715 at its new location,camera 708 may be moved upward to maintain the camera 708 within thetarget range of the eye contact target 715, such that the gaze of seconduser continues to be within the field of view of camera 708. Camera 708may also be lowered or relocated left or right along display screen 704to follow the eye contact target 715 if the eye contact target 715shifts onscreen.

Also in certain embodiments, the position of camera 708 may be adjustedradially (e.g., about a portion of the cord 710). In an example, thefirst end of cord 710 may include a plurality of cord segments, whereina cord segment can correspond to different sections of the cord 710. Acord segment (e.g., along the first end of cord 710 proximate to thecamera 708) may be coupled with camera 708. In certain embodiments,camera 708 can be part of the cord segment. The cord segments can beassociated with one or more features. For example, a cord segment mayinclude a hinge to pivot (e.g., bend) with respect to adjacent cordsegments. The hinge allows a cord segment hanging below the hinge (e.g.,a cord segment between the hinge and camera 708) to pivot about thehinge (e.g., about a horizontal axis that is orthogonal to the frontplane of display device 704). The position of camera 708 can be radiallyarticulated about the hinge. For example, camera 708 can be swung by thecord segment (e.g., about an axis through the hinge and transverse tothe face of display screen 704) radially across the face of a displaydevice 704.

Further in certain embodiments, the orientation of camera 704 may berotated about a vertical axis. In an example, cord 710 may include anadjustable swivel at its first end proximate to the camera 708, to allowfor controlled adjustments to the rotational position (e.g.,orientation) of the camera 708, for example, to allow camera 708 tocapture image data from various orientations that can collectivelyamount to a 180-degree field of view of the display device 704. Forexample, an adjustable swivel may be an adjustable friction swivel, aswivel with click stops, and the like. The adjustable swivel allowscamera 708 to be rotated at predefined angles about a vertical axis andmaintaining (e.g., by temporarily locking the camera 708 in itsrotational position through a frictional assist, click stop, etc.),while preventing instability of the camera 708 (e.g., preventing camera708 from spinning freely about a vertical axis).

FIG. 7B illustrates example 720 of repositioning the camera 708 of acamera positioning system in accordance with various embodiments. Forexample, as shown in FIG. 7A, the onscreen image of the first user 718is displayed in a first position 722 on the upper left corner of thedisplay device 704. Referring now to FIG. 7B, the onscreen image of thefirst user 718 has moved to a second position 724 in the lower rightcorner of display device 704. To maintain eye-to-eye alignment betweenthe user in the video communication, the camera 708 must be repositionedfrom the upper left corner to the lower right corner of the displaydevice 704 (e.g., camera 708 must move downward diagonally to theright). A camera repositioning analyzer may determine a shortest pathdetermined to move camera from a current location (e.g., within targetrange of the eye contact target 715 at a first position 722) to a newlocation (e.g., within target range of the eye contact target 715 at thesecond position 724) over display device 704 and the combination ofadjustments to the positioning component 712, cord 710, or camera 708orientation necessary to execute the shortest path. In this example, theshortest path may include a single diagonal path moving downward to theright. To execute this shortest path, a combination of adjustments tothe positions of positioning component 712 and cord 712 must be made.That is, positioning component 712 needs to be repositioned horizontallyto the right until the camera 708 is within a horizontal limit of thetarget range (e.g., within an appropriate range of y-coordinates of thetarget range), while cord 710 needs to be lowered until the camera 708is within a vertical limit of the target range (e.g., within anappropriate range of x-coordinates of the target range). In yet anotherembodiment, the video conference application window 706 may be movedabout the display device 704, resized, or a combination thereof, to bewithin a target range of a current position of the camera 708.

When passing the cord 710 vertically through positioning component 712,or relocating positioning component 712 side to side (e.g., right orleft), or a combination thereof, the positioning component 712 remainssecurely mounted to the display device 704. That is, positioningcomponent 712 remains securely held in its position on display device704 (e.g., positioning component 712 does not fall off display device704) under the tensioning exerted on the positioning component 712 thatresults from the combined weights of the positioning component 712 andcord 710 exerted on the positioning component 712.

FIG. 8A illustrates example 800 for stowing a camera positioning systemin accordance with various embodiments. In the example, when the camerapositioning system is not in use, the camera positioning system may bestowed, for example, in a stowing area. For example, a stowing area maybe an area of display device 804, such as a bezel or display deviceframe, where the positioning component 802 and cord can be positioned asto minimize obstruction of the viewable area 805 (e.g., an area of adisplay screen where image content can appear), allowing a user tooptimally utilize the display device 804 for other purposes when notactively using the camera positioning system. In an embodiment,obstruction of the viewable area may be minimized when the positioningcomponent and cord are stowed within a threshold zone around the stowingarea (e.g., within a particular distance of the stowing area). Forexample, positioning component 802 is placed along the top right side ofa bezel 806 of display device 804 as much as possible, where the bordersof the positioning component 802 and the camera have minimal overlapwith (e.g., cause minimal obstruction of) the viewable area 805.

The positioning component 802 and cord may be stowed in the stowing areaaccording to a stowing arrangement, wherein the stowing arrangement mayinclude a placement or condition (e.g., engaged, detached, loosened,folded, and the like) for the positioning component 802 and a placementor condition (e.g., retracted, rolled, removed, etc.) of the cord whenstowed. In this example, positioning component 802 is a u-bracket thatis stowed by maintaining its position on the top edge of the displaydevice 804 (e.g., the jaws of the u-bracket are fitted over the top edgeof display device 804) and displacing its horizontal position to an areaalong the right edge (e.g., bezel 806 on the right) of display device804. In another example, the stowing area may be along the left bezel ofthe display device 804. Accordingly, a horizontal position ofpositioning component 802 may be displaced to the left edge of thedisplay device 804 to be stowed. In an embodiment, the u-bracket caninclude notches through which a cord is woven. For example, the cordpasses through a first notch on a back portion of the u-bracket, whichdirects the cord over a top portion of the u-bracket and through asecond notch on a front portion of the u-bracket. Because the cord, inits current position (e.g., passively hanging from its woven positionwith the u-bracket), is within a threshold zone around the stowing area(e.g., makes minimal overlap with the viewable area 805), the cord mayremain hanging (from the positioning component 802) when stowed, thatis, the cord does not need to be retracted upward and coiled, pulleddownward, etc.

In an embodiment, the positioning component 802 in a stowed positionremains securely in place on the display device 804 under tensioning. Inan embodiment, the placement of positioning component 802 over the topedge of display device 804 is securely maintained through tensioningexerted on positioning component 802 by the coupled positioningcomponent 802 and cord. Tensioning may be measured by the combinedweights of the coupled positioning component 802 and cord, wherein thecombined weights provide a threshold amount of force on the positioningcomponent 802 over the edge of the display device 804. The thresholdamount of force can be an amount force required to hold positioningcomponent 802 in place as to prevent the positioning component 802 fromslipping off the display device 804, for example, when display 804 isstationary, or is tilted backward, forward, etc. In an embodiment, anequal amount of force can be exerted on the front end of positioningcomponent 802 (e.g., resulting from the weight of the cord hanging downfrom a front end of positioning component 802) as on the back end ofpositioning component 802 (e.g., resulting from the weight of the cordhanging down from a back end of positioning component 802), to securelymaintain positioning component 802 in its position on top of displaydevice 804. When the orientation of display device 804 is adjusted(e.g., tilted upward or downward, or turned side to side, etc.) whilethe camera positioning system is not in use, the tensioning on the backend and front end of the positioning component 802, combined with theweight of positioning component 802 directly over the top edge ofdisplay device 804, keeps positioning component 802 stable (e.g.,prevents positioning component 802 from falling off display device 804)when in a stowed arrangement.

FIG. 8B illustrates another example 820 for stowing a camera positioningsystem in accordance with various embodiments. In the example, thepositioning component 822 is a bracket attached to a spring-loadedretractor. The bracket and spring-loaded retractor allow for the cord tobe raised or lowered vertically on the display device 804. In theexample, the bracket may hang on top (e.g., in the middle along a topedge) and in front of the display device 804. The spring-loadedretractor may hang on top of and behind the display device 804. A cordis fed through the spring-loaded retractor, through a back end to afront end of the bracket, and hung down in front of display device. Thespring-loaded retractor is operable to retract, roll, and stow excesscord length. When the spring-loaded retractor retracts the cord, thefirst end (e.g., front portion) of the cord is pulled up across displaydevice 804, from the front end of the bracket through the back end ofthe bracket and into the spring-loaded retractor. That is, when fullyretracted, the cord is substantially withdrawn from the viewable area.In an embodiment, a camera attached to the first end of the cord canlimit the cord from being removed from the bracket portion when the cordis retracted. In another embodiment, a stopper affixed to a portion ofthe cord that is proximate to the camera may limit the cord from beingremoved from the bracket when the cord is retracted. In certainembodiments, the cord may be associated with a flexibility or pliabilityproperty. In the example, the cord is a flexible or semi-flexiblematerial to allow for pulling and retraction of the cord and stowing ofthe cord as a rolled cord stored in the spring-loaded retractor.

In the example, a stowing area for the bracket and spring-loadedretractor may be located on the top middle portion of the bezel ofdisplay device 804. In another example, the stowing area can be locatedover any horizontal point along the top edge of display device 804. Inyet another example, the stowing area may be located along a right orleft edge of display device 804. In an embodiment, the bracket andspring-loaded retractor may be adjusted horizontally, for horizontaladjustment of the positions of the cord and camera to the right or leftof the display device 804 and to be transported to a stowing area. Forexample, in the situation where the positioning component 822 is placedon a left portion of the top edge of display device 804 for use of thecamera in a video communication, and where a stowing area is along theright portion of the top edge, the positioning component 822 may bedisengaged from its in-use position (e.g., the left portion of the topedge) on the display device, and releasably re-engaged with the displaydevice at its stowed position (e.g., right portion of top edge).

In an embodiment, a stowing arrangement may include placing positioningcomponent 822 along a top edge of display device 804, for example in themiddle of the top edge as shown. The stowing arrangement may alsoinclude retracting the cord from the front of display device 804 to theback of display device 804, the excess cord stored as a rolled cordwithin the housing of the spring-loaded retractor. In the example, thepositioning component 822 may remain on the top edge above the viewablearea (e.g., as opposed to being repositioned to the right or left edge,to the side of the viewable area), because when the cord is retracted,the attached camera (e.g., at the first end of the cord) will be lifteduntil it makes contact with (e.g., is stopped by) the front lip of thebracket, such that the camera is repositioned substantially above theviewable area (e.g., within the threshold zone of the stowing area).

In an embodiment, the positioning component 822 in a stowed positionremains securely in place on the display device 804 under tensioningexerted by the combined weights of the positioning component 822 andcord onto the positioning component 822. For example, the distributionof the weight of the coupled bracket and spring-loaded retractor maycorrespond to a first weight of the spring-loaded retractor and a secondend of the cord (e.g., wherein a portion of the cord is retracted andstored in the spring-loaded retractor) on the back end of thepositioning component 822 and a second weight of the camera on a firstend of the cord that has been retracted to the front end of positioningcomponent 822. A balanced distribution of the weight of the bracket andspring-loaded retractor, combined with the weights of both ends of thecord on either end of the positioning component 822 provide a thresholdamount of force on the positioning component 822 as to securely maintainthe positioning component 822 in its stowed position on the displaydevice 804.

FIG. 8C illustrates yet another example 840 for stowing a camerapositioning system in accordance with various embodiments. In theexample, the positioning component 842 is a magnet that is magneticallyadhered to a cord, in a recess and key arrangement. For example, themagnet can be in one of the recess and the key, and a material to whichthe magnet is attracted can be in the other of the recess and the key,wherein the material is incorporated in at least a portion of the cord.The recess and key arrangement may further include interlockingconnector elements. In another embodiment, magnet can be in a recesswhile the key includes a slidable attachment around the cord wherein thecord can slide up or down through the key, enabling the position of thecamera (attached to the first end of the cord) to be vertically adjustedacross the display device.

In an embodiment, the positioning component 842 can be releasablyengaged with the display device 804 by a dock. For example, a dock mayinclude at least a magnet, or a material to which the magnet isattracted, and is located on a portion of the display device 804 (e.g.,a front surface of a top edge), wherein the back of positioningcomponent 842 may be releasably attached to the dock. In the example,dock 844 can be a magnetic element, such as a magnetic dot or magneticrecess, and the like, attached to a middle of the top edge of displaydevice 804. In another example, dock 844 can include a plurality ofdocks, such as a linear series of magnetic elements incorporated acrossa top edge of display device 804, to allow positioning component 842 tobe releasably engaged (e.g., magnetically attached) with the displaydevice 804 at any one of the plurality of docks at various horizontalpositions, and to allow positioning component 842 to be repositionedhorizontally at another one of the plurality of docks. In yet anotherexample, the dock is a docking strip, such as a magnetic strip or ametal strip, wherein positioning component 842 may be magneticallyattached to a first point on the docking strip and horizontallyrepositioned (e.g., by detaching and reattaching the positioningcomponent 842 from the first point to the second point, or by slidingthe positioning component 842 from the first point to the second point,and so forth) to a second point on the docking strip. In anotherembodiment, the positioning component 842 may be a repositionableadhesive material, to releasably attach the positioning component 842 tothe display device 804. For example, the back of the positioningcomponent 842 may include a repositionable adhesive material, suctioncup, etc.

In the example, a stowing area may include a dock located on a topcorner of the display device 804 (e.g., in a corner of the bezel). Whenthe camera positioning system is in use (e.g., the camera is active in avideo communication application through display device 804), positioningcomponent 842 may be positioned at dock 844 (e.g., in-use position),such that the camera may be positioned in the middle of the viewablearea 805 (e.g., to allow camera to establish eye-to-eye alignmentbetween the video communication participants). To stow the camerapositioning system (e.g., once the video communication has terminated),positioning component 842 can be removed from dock 844 and magneticallyattached to another dock located in the stowing area (e.g., stowedposition), such as a corner of the bezel (e.g., a top left corner, or atop right corner as shown in the example), allowing the cord and camerato hang in front of and parallel with the side bezel (e.g., right sideedge) as to minimize obstruction of the viewable area 805 by thepositioning component 842, cord, and camera. In another example, thestowing area can be located along any point along the side edge (e.g.,the dock can be halfway down a right or left side of the bezel). In yetanother example, the stowing area can include a plurality of planesalong a side edge of display device 804, for example, wherein a dock isattached to a top side of the top edge in a corner, such that the cordbends over the top side of the top edge and along the front side of aside bezel.

In another embodiment, a storage element (not shown) is hingedlydependent from the top edge or bottom edge of the back part of apositioning component. The storage element may be operable to stow thecord. For example, the storage element can include a storage compartmentthat can store at least a portion of the length of the cord. In certainembodiments, the entire cord and camera can be stored in the storagecompartment. In another example, the storage element may be a hook orclamp that the cord be wrapped around, allowing for the shortening ofthe length of the cord. In another example, the storage element may be awrap, bundler, loop and hook fastener, etc. that can be used to shortena length of the cord. For example, the cord may be folded upon itself orotherwise wrapped such the length of the cord is shortened. The storageelement (e.g., a wrap) can wrap the shortened cord such that a length ofthe cord does not change. The storage element in various embodiments maybe used to secure the cord to the storage element, such that the cameraand camera cord is no longer positioning in front of the display screen.

FIG. 9A illustrates an example arrangement 900 of components of a camerapositioning system in accordance with various embodiments. It should benoted that any number of other arrangements of the components of thecamera positioning system known in the art can be used in accordancewith embodiments described herein and the arrangements illustrated aremerely for illustrative purposes. In the example, positioning component903 is coupled to a cord. The positioning component 900 can providereleasable engagement with a portion of a component (e.g., a displayscreen, also referred to as a display device) coupled to computingdevice and configured to direct a first end of the cord to an operativeregion of the display screen (e.g., in front of the display screen) andthe second end of the cord to one of the computing device or thecomponent (e.g., behind the display screen). In this example, the firstend of the cord can include an image capture device 908, wherein theimage capture device 908 includes image processor 904 and image sensor906 (also referred to as a camera). In an embodiment, image processor904 is coupled to image sensor 906. Image sensor 906 can include a lensto capture the gaze of a first user looking at an eye contact target(e.g., eyes of an onscreen image of a second user in a videocommunication) displayed on the display screen. Image processor 904 canprocess image data of the user facing the display screen andcommunicating through the video communication, for example, imageprocessor 904 processes and transmits to the second user (e.g., via avideo communication application) image data of the first usercommunicating and establishing eye contact with the second user.

In an embodiment, at least one of the cord or image capture device 908may maintain a rotational stability of the image capture device 908,that is, maintain the image capture device 908 in a stable position overthe display screen to allow for, for example, continuous eye-to-eyealignment between users participating in a video communication. A stableposition, for example, includes the situation where movement of theimage capture device 908 is within a threshold amount of movement. Thiscan include, for example, decreasing or preventing inadvertent movementof image capture device 908 with respect to the display screen or othersupport surface, such as preventing the cord from twisting or spinningfreely (e.g., about a vertical axis) and thereby preventing imagecapture device 908 from inadvertently changing its rotationalorientation (e.g., prevents image sensor 906 from rotating its focusaway from a user facing the display screen). In another example, astable position can include the situation where the cord does not bendor bow once hanging or extending (e.g., substantially perpendicular to atop perimeter of a display screen) from a top portion of the displayscreen. For example, the cord in various embodiments can be manufacturedfrom one of a plurality of different materials such that the cord issubstantially flat and/or substantially inflexible (e.g., rigid) as tomaintain its position, and the position of the image capture device 908,against the display screen. For example, a flatness or a rigidity of thecord can prevent the cord from bending, which accordingly, prevents theimage capture device 908 from inadvertently rotating (e.g., divertingfocus of the lens of image sensor 906 away from the gaze of the userfacing the display screen as to break eye contact with the other user inthe video communication). In yet another example, the housing of imagecapture device 908 may be associated with at least one or more features,such as a flatness feature or a textural feature, among others, as tomaintain the image capture device 908 within a threshold amount ofmovement with respect to the display screen. For example, the housing ofthe image capture device 908 may have substantially flat edges (e.g.,the back of image sensor 906 and image processor 904 may besubstantially flat) as to stably maintain the position (e.g., rotationalposition) of the image capture device 908 against the display screen. Inanother example, a portion (e.g., back side) of the housing of imagecapture device 908 may be made of skid resistant material, such asrubber or silicon, as to restrict movement of the image capture deice908 with respect to the display screen.

In another embodiment, cord may include an adjustable swivel at itsfirst end proximate to the image capture device 908, to allow forcontrolled adjustments to the rotational position of the image capturedevice 908, for example, to allow image sensor 906 to capture image datafrom various orientations that collectively amount to a 180-degree fieldof view of the display screen. For example, an adjustable swivel may bean adjustable friction swivel, a swivel with click stops, and so forth.The adjustable swivel allows image capture device 908 to be rotated atpredefined angles about a vertical axis and maintaining (e.g., bytemporarily locking the image capture device 908 in its rotationalposition through a frictional assist, click stop, etc.), whilepreventing instability of the image capture device 908 (e.g., preventingimage capture device 908 from spinning freely about a vertical axis).

In the example, the second end of the cord can include a connectorcomponent, such as a video display connector 902, wherein the videodisplay connector 902 can be releasably engaged with the display device.The video display connector 902 may include a USB port, parallel port,HDMI, Ethernet, or any other way of passing image data between a cableand computing device. When the video display connector 902 is engagedwith the computing device, the video display connector 902 allows forpower to be transmitted from a computing device through the cord toimage capture device 908, and as well as image and/or audio data to betransmitted between the image capture device 908 with the computingdevice. In accordance with an embodiment, video display connector 902can be a wireless transmitter that can receive data (e.g., image data oraudio data) captured by the image sensor 906 and can transmit the datato a computer or other appropriate processing component (e.g., displayscreen).

Although the components are arranged such that the image processor 904and image sensor 906 are coupled as a single unit (e.g., as an imagecapture device 908) attached to a first end of the cord (e.g., displacedin front of the display screen) and a video display connector 902attached to a second end of the cord (e.g., displaced behind the displayscreen), the components may be disposed with respect to the cord inother arrangements. Referring now to FIG. 9B, the illustration showsanother example arrangement 920 of components of a camera positioningsystem in accordance with various embodiments. In this example, thefirst end of the cord can include an image sensor 906, while the secondend of the cord can include an image processor 904 and video displayconnector 902, wherein the image processor 904 and video displayconnector 902 are coupled as a single unit 922. In an embodiment, aflatness property and/or inflexibility property of the cord may, or aflatness or textural property of the image sensor 906 (e.g., back of thehousing of image sensor 906 is flat or includes skid resistantmaterial), or a combination thereof, may restrict the cord from athreshold amount of movement as to maintain the rotational stability ofthe image sensor 906. In another embodiment, the cord may include anadjustable swivel (e.g., adjustable friction swivel, a swivel with clickstops, etc.) at its first end proximate to the image sensor 906, toallow for controlled adjustments to the rotational position of the imagesensor 906. That is, the swivel allows the image sensor 906 to rotateand capture image data from various orientations that collectivelyamount to a 180-degree field of view of the display screen.

In the example, the second end of the cord can include the single unit922, wherein the single unit 922 includes image processor 904 coupled tovideo display connector 902. The single unit 922 can be releasablyengaged with the display device. As described above, the video displayconnector 902 portion of the single unit 922 may include a USB port,parallel port, HDMI, Ethernet, or any other way of passing image databetween a cable and computing device. When the video display connector902 is engaged with the computing device, the video display connector902 allows for power to be transmitted from a computing device throughthe cord to image capture device 908, and as well as image and/or audiodata to be transmitted between the image capture device 908 with thecomputing device.

FIG. 9C illustrates yet another example arrangement 940 of components ofa camera positioning system in accordance with various embodiments. Inthis example, the first end of the cord can include an image sensor 906(e.g., to be displaced in front of display screen and to collect imagedata, such as the gaze of the user facing the display screen), while thesecond end of the cord can include a video display connector 902 (e.g.,for releasable engagement with the display screen and transmitting imagedata between the cord and display screen). In an embodiment, the imageprocessor 904 is coupled with the positioning component 903.Accordingly, the weight of the positioning component 903 may include theweight of the image processor 904. In this example, the tensioning onpositioning component 903 may result from the combined weights of thepositioning component 903, the image processor 904, and the cord,wherein the combined weights are exerted on the positioning component903 as to secure the positioning component 903 in its position on thedisplay screen.

FIG. 10 illustrates an example process 1000 for utilizing a camerapositioning system in accordance with various embodiments. In theexample, the camera positioning system can include a camera, a flexiblesupport member (also referred to as a cord) operable to transmit atleast one of power or data between the camera and a computing device,the flexible support member having a body portion, wherein a first endof the body portion includes the camera and a second end of the bodyportion includes connector components (e.g., video display connector)providing for releasable engagement between the flexible support memberand one of the computing device or a component coupled to the computingdevice; and a positioning component providing releasable engagement witha portion of a display device (also referred to as a display screen),for example, on a top edge of the display device, and operable to directthe second end of the flexible support member to one of the computingdevice or the component and the first end of the flexible support memberto an operative region of the display device to, for example, facilitateeye-to-eye alignment between users in a video communication.

In an embodiment, the positioning component of the camera positioningsystem is a bracket clip. In this example, the flexible support memberis coupled 1002 to the positioning component. The flexible supportmember may be securely coupled to positioning component by one of aplurality of coupling means, such as a frictional assist, adhesiveassist, magnetic assist, among others. The flexible support member mayalso be coupled with the positioning component by one of a plurality ofcoupling techniques, the coupling techniques corresponding with a framestructure of the positioning component, wherein the positioningcomponent can take the shape of any one of a number of components (e.g.,frame structures), such as a clip, a magnetic bracket, clamp, and soforth. For example, in an embodiment, positioning component is a bracketclip seated on top of the display device, wherein the flexible supportmember may be passed through from a back end of a horizontal beam (alsoreferred to as a horizontal base) of the bracket clip through a frontend of the horizontal beam. The first end of the flexible support membermay be a rigid cord, or a flexible cord encased in a hollow rigidstructure that is attached to the positioning component. In anotherembodiment, the flexible support member may be substantially flat, as tomaintain its position against the display device.

In another embodiment, positioning component may be a u-bracket, whereinthe u-bracket includes at least one notch. The flexible support memberpasses through a first notch on a back portion of the positioningcomponent, which directs the flexible support member over a top portionof the positioning component and through a second notch on a frontportion of positioning component. The flexible support member may besecurely coupled at the two notches by a coupling means, such as africtional assist, etc.

In yet another embodiment, positioning component may be a notchedbracket, wherein the notched bracket includes a horizontal beam (alsoreferred to as a horizontal base), with a series of notches along alength of the horizontal beam. The positioning component can include avertical rigid hollow structure attached to the front of the horizontalbeam, wherein the bottom end of the vertical rigid hollow structure isattached to a camera housing. In the example, the flexible supportmember is coupled with the positioning component by threading theflexible support member from a top front end of the horizontal beam anddown through the vertical rigid hollow structure 456, wherein theflexible support member is also coupled to the camera. In an embodiment,the flexible support member may be a flexible cord that is encased in orpartially encased in the vertical rigid hollow structure.

In other embodiments, the positioning component is a bracket attached toa spring-loaded retractor, wherein a front portion of the bracket mayhang on top and in front of the display device while the spring-loadedretractor may hang on top of and behind the display device. The flexiblesupport member can be fed through the spring-loaded retractor, from aback end to a front end of the bracket, and hung down in front ofdisplay device. The spring-loaded retractor is operable to retract,roll, and stow excess length of the flexible support member. Theflexible support member may be associated with a flexibility orpliability property, for example, the flexible support member may bemade of a flexible or semi-flexible material to allow for pulling andretraction of the flexible support member and stowing of the flexiblesupport member as a rolled cord stored in the spring-loaded retractor.

In another example, the positioning component and flexible supportmember may be coupled with connector elements. The connecting elementscan form, for example, a recess and a key arrangement between theflexible support member and the positioning component. A magnet can bepositioned in one of the recess and the key and a material to which themagnet is attracted in the other of the recess and the key, therebymagnetically coupling the positioning component and flexible supportmember. In another example, the connecting elements can form a recessand a key arrangement between the flexible support member and thepositioning component, wherein the recess and the key arrangement caninclude interlocking elements and at least one element can be configuredto release the interlocking elements.

According to certain embodiments, the process directs 1004 a first endof the flexible support member to an operative region of the displaydevice, wherein the first end is attached to a camera. In an example,the camera (e.g., of a first participant in a video communication) isdirected to a viewable area (e.g., an operative region of a displayscreen, for example, where image content can appear) of the displaydevice and aligned with an eye contact target (e.g., the onscreen eyesof a second participant) presented on a display device. With the cameraplaced near an eye contact target (e.g., the eyes of the onscreen imageof the second participant), the first participant and the secondparticipant can simultaneously look at each other's face. The camera canbe directed away (e.g., stowed) from the display device when not in use.The camera can be maintained in a stable position over the operativeregion of the display device. For example, the flexible support memberattached to the camera may be associated with a flexibility orpliability property or flatness property. For example, the flexiblesupport member may be rigid or may be encased in a rigid hollowstructure, or be substantially flat, as to prevent the flexible supportmember from inadvertent movement (e.g., bending or bowing), therebymaintaining camera in a stable position (e.g., preventing inadvertentmovement of the camera, such as rotating or swinging) over the operativeregion.

In another example, the flexible support member may be adjustedvertically across the display device to redirect (e.g., adjust) thevertical position of the camera relative to the operative region. Forexample, the position of the camera over the operative region of thedisplay device can be raised or lowered by pulling, retracting, passing,etc. the flexible support member up or down, respectively, across theoperative region. In yet another example, the positioning component maybe adjusted horizontally across the display device to adjust thehorizontal position of the camera relative to the operative region. Forexample, the positioning component may be disengaged from its currentposition on the display device, and releasably re-engaged with thedisplay device at a new position (e.g., a positioning componentpositioned on a top edge of the display device is moved to the left orright along the display device edge).

In certain embodiments, the process directs 1006 a second end of theflexible support member to one of a computing device or a componentcoupled to the computing device, for example, the display device. Aconnecting component, such as video display connector, may be attachedto the second end to the flexible support member. For example, where apositioning component is positioned on a top edge of the display device,the video display connector may be directed to an area behind thedisplay device. The video display connector may provide for releasableengagement between the flexible support member (and further, the cameracoupled to the first end of the flexible support member) and one of thecomputing device or a component coupled to the computing device. Thevideo display connector connects the flexible support member with thedisplay device, wherein the flexible support member allows for power tobe transmitted from display device to the camera, as well as imageand/or audio data to be transmitted between the camera and displaydevice. The video display connector may include a USB port, parallelport, HDMI, Ethernet, or any other way of passing image data between acable and computing device. In another embodiment, video displayconnector can be a wireless transmitter that can receive data (e.g.,image data or audio data) captured by the camera and can transmit thedata to a computer or other appropriate processing component (e.g.,display device).

In an embodiment, the positioning component is releasably engaged 1008with a portion of the display screen. In the situation where thepositioning component is a bracket clip, the bracket clip can include ahinge and clip operable to grip an edge of the display device (e.g., atop edge of the display device). The hinge may be held in a closedposition (e.g., under a rotary force) by a spring, such as a torsionalspring (for example, a spiral wound torsion spring). That is, when thebracket clip is disengaged from the display device, the clip can clampshut against the horizontal beam of the bracket clip under the torque ofthe spring in the hinge. Pulling the clip back (e.g., resisting thetorque of the spring) will open the bracket clip to be releasablyengaged with (e.g., clip onto) the display device. In the situationwhere the positioning component is a u-bracket, which is operable tomount to a display device, for example, by fitting the jaws of theu-bracket over the top edge of the display device. In the situationwhere the positioning component is a notched bracket, the notchedbracket may be positioned on a top edge of the display device, whereinthe flexible support member is passed through one of the plurality ofnotches such that the edge of the display device is fitted between thevertical rigid hollow structure and the flexible support member. In thesituation where the positioning component is a bracket attached to aspring-loaded retractor, the bracket may hang on top and in front of thedisplay device while the spring-loaded retractor may hang on top of andbehind the display device.

The positioning component may be associated with a brace flexibilityscore. A brace flexibility score can quantify a level of flexibility ofthe brace opening (e.g., mouth or jaw) of a positioning component toaccommodate different display screens of varying thickness, with respectto a baseline or reference brace flexibility score. For example, a lowbrace flexibility score can indicate that the jaws of a positioningcomponent are fixed (e.g., can only fit onto a display screen edge of aspecific maximum thickness because the jaws cannot open or close beyondits default state). A high brace flexibility score can indicate that thejaws can be expanded, flexibly opened, stretched, unfolded, etc., forexample, jaws that can passively be fitted onto a display screen edge ofa specific thickness and can also be stretched open wider to be fittedonto a thicker display screen edge. The brace flexibility score maycorrespond to a flexibility or pliability property of a material of thepositioning component. For example, a positioning component manufacturedfrom a flexible plastic may have a high brace flexibility score, forexample, the jaws of a u-bracket can be stretched wider to accommodate athicker display screen. In another example, the mouth of a notchedbracket can be expanded by passing the flexible support member through anotch closer to the backend of the horizontal beam of the notchedbracket. In another example, a positioning component manufactured from astiff metal may have a low brace flexibility score, for example, thejaws of the u-bracket cannot be stretched and can only be passivelyfitted onto a display screen edge of a limited range of thickness. Inanother example, a notched bracket with a number of notches below athreshold amount of notched may only be able to accommodate a restrictedrange of display device edge thicknesses, and may have a low braceflexibility score.

The positioning component may also be associated with a brace forcescore. A brace force score can quantify a maximum level of force thatcan be applied by the positioning component onto the display device.That is, the brace force score can quantify the pressure exerted by thepositioning component when gripping a display screen with respect to abaseline or reference brace force score (e.g., a passive grip exerted bystiff or unmovable jaws). For example, a low brace force score canindicate that the positioning component has a weak or passive grip overthe display screen edge, or may require additional support to secure thepositioning component over the display device edge. A high brace forcescore can indicate that the positioning component exerts at least athreshold level of force in gripping the display device edge. In anexample, a positioning component with a brace force score within apredetermined range may include padding (e.g., silicon pads, rubberpads, and the like) attached to its jaws to prevent damage to thedisplay screen when mounted. In the situation where positioningcomponent is composed of a highly flexible material, such as a highlybendable metal or plastic, it may have a low brace force and would havea gentler grip on the display device edge. Contrastingly, in a situationwhere positioning component is composed of a semi-flexible material,such as a dense yet slightly flexible wood or plastic, it may have ahigher brace force and would have a tighter grip on the display deviceedge, particularly when jaws of positioning component are stretchedwider to accommodate a thicker display device edge.

A positioning component may further be associated with a mount widththreshold. A mount width threshold represents the maximum width of adisplay device edge that the positioning component can accommodate. Forexample, a u-bracket that is composed of a flexible material may bestretched wider to fit over a thicker display device edge and would havea higher mount width threshold than a u-bracket of a same size and shapebut composed of an inflexible material. In another example, a notchedbracket that has notches along a long horizontal beam may allow for aflexible support member to pass through a notch such that the spacebetween the notch and the vertical rigid hollow structure can fit over athicker display device edge, and therefore have a higher mount widththreshold.

A positioning component may also be associated with a mount depththreshold, which represents the maximum depth of a display screen edgethat the positioning component can accommodate (e.g., how much of theedge is covered by positioning component). In an example, a higher mountdepth threshold may indicate that the jaws of positioning component whenmounted on display screen, envelops a deeper portion of the displayscreen edge than would a positioning component with a lower mount depththreshold. However, a mount depth threshold that is too high may exceeda bezel width of a display screen (or other computing device orcomponent coupled to a computing device), for example, a positioningcomponent with a high mount depth may have jaws (or mouth, edge, lip,etc.), when mounted onto a display screen, that grip the display devicebeyond the bezel and obstruct a portion of a viewable area (e.g., anarea of a display screen where image content can appear) of the displaydevice.

In certain embodiments, the position of the positioning component on thedisplay device is secured 1012 by tensioning, wherein a combined weightof a first weight of the flexible support member and a second weight ofthe positioning component is exerted on the positioning component.Tensioning may be measured by the combined weights of the coupledpositioning component and flexible support member, wherein the combinedweights provide a threshold amount of force on the positioning componentover an edge (e.g., top edge) of the display device. The thresholdamount of force can be an amount force required to hold positioningcomponent in place as to prevent the positioning component from slippingoff the display device (e.g., when display is stationary, or is tiltedbackward, forward, etc.). In an embodiment, a positioning component maybe associated with a tensioning ratio. A tensioning ratio can quantifythe relative weights exerted by a first end of a flexible supportmember, a second end of the flexible support member, and the positioningcomponent, wherein the combined weights as exerted on the positioningcomponent securely maintains the position of the positioning componenton top of the display device. That is, the tensioning ratio may includea ratio (e.g., distribution) of a first weight (e.g., first end of theflexible support member), a second weight (e.g., second end of theflexible support member), and a third weight (e.g., positioningcomponent). The tensioning ratio quantifies the distribution of weightin a coupled positioning component and flexible support member that isneeded to provide a threshold amount of force over the positioningcomponent as to securely maintain the position of the positioningcomponent on the display device. In an example, a tensioning ratio canidentify an optimal balance of tensioning on the coupled positioningcomponent and flexible support member, or the center of gravity of thecoupled positioning component and flexible support member, so that thecombined weights of the positioning component and flexible supportmember prevent or substantially restrict the positioning component fromleaning or falling forward or backward off the display device. In anembodiment, the first weight (e.g., of the first end of the flexiblesupport member) may include a weight of the camera attached to the firstend. In another embodiment, supplemental weights (e.g., additionalsegments attached to the flexible support member , weighted materials,etc.) may be added to or removed from to at least one of the first endof the flexible support member, second end of the flexible supportmember, or positioning component to achieve the tensioning ratiorequired for the positioning component.

FIG. 11 illustrates example components of an image capture devicepositioning system 1100, for example, a camera positioning system, inaccordance with various embodiments. In the example, the image capturedevice positioning system 1100 includes a camera 1102, flexible supportmember 1104, positioning component 1106, coupling component 1108,releasable engagement component, tensioning component 1112, connectingcomponent 1114, camera position adjustment component 1116, stowingcomponent 1118, and user interface adjustment component 1120. In anembodiment, the flexible support member 1104 (also referred to as acord) can have a body portion, wherein a first end of the body portionincludes the camera and a second end of the body portion includesconnector components providing for releasable engagement between theflexible support member and one of the computing device or a componentcoupled to the computing device. A positioning component coupled to theflexible support member provides releasable engagement with a portion ofa display device (also referred to as a display screen) and is operableto direct the second end of the flexible support member to one of thecomputing device or the component and the first end of the flexiblesupport member to an operative region of the display device to, forexample, facilitate eye-to-eye alignment between users in a videocommunication.

According to an embodiment, camera 1102 is operable to capture a gaze ofa first user (e.g., a local user) in a video communication looking at aneye contact target (e.g., eyes of an onscreen image of a second user,such as a remote user, in the video communication) displayed on thedisplay device. Camera 1102 may be an image sensor which includes alens. When the first user looks at the eye contact target, the gaze ofthe first user naturally falls within the field of view of the lens,resulting in the onscreen image of the first user (e.g., as presented onthe display device of the second user) to appear to be gazing directlyforward toward the second user (e.g., as opposed to downward, to theside, etc.), therefore establishing eye-to-eye alignment. In theexample, the camera 1102 may include an image processor to process imagedata of the user facing the display device and communicating through thevideo communication. For example, the image processor can process andtransmit to the second user (e.g., through a video communicationapplication) image data of the first user communicating and establishingeye contact with the second user. In another embodiment, camera 1102 mayinclude an adapter ring, for example, to swap the lens from camera 1102with a different lens, such as when a different field of view is desired(e.g., increase or decrease number of degrees of visual angle that canbe covered by a lens) or other effects are desired from different lenstypes (e.g., wide angle lens, specialty lens such as fisheye lens,etc.). In certain embodiments, the adapter ring can also adjust focus ormagnification of the lens, for example, to sharpen or magnify the imageof the user facing display screen.

In accordance with an embodiment, flexible support member 1104 isoperable to couple to camera 1102. Flexible support member 1104 may alsobe operable to maintain a stable position of camera 1102, such as arotational stability. For example, flexible support member 1104 can beassociated with a number of properties, including, for example, aflexibility or pliability property, a stiffness property, a firmnessproperty, an extensibility property, a size or thinness property, and soforth. For example, flexible support member 1104 may be a rigid cord. Inanother example, flexible support member 1104 may be a flexible cordthat is encased in or partially encased in a hollow rigid tube. In yetanother example, flexible support member 1104 may include a plurality ofcord segments, wherein one or more cord segments can be flexible. Inthis example, one or more flexible cord segments can be coupled withcamera 1102 on an end opposite the end of the flexible support member1104 that includes connecting elements that provide for releasableengagement between the camera and a computing device (or a componentcoupled to the computing device). The flexible cord segment(s) can beadjusted to vary the position of camera 1102. For example, the flexiblecord or cord segment(s) can be adjusted to change a location of thecamera 1102 from a first location to a second location. For example, oneor more cord segments may be associated with a rigidity score, whichquantifies a level of flexibility of an entire cord, a cord segment, ora combination of cord segments. The rigidity score can measure how rigidthe flexible support member 1104 or a cord segment is with respect to abaseline or reference rigidity score. For example, a flexible supportmember with a high rigidity score can indicate that the flexible supportmember or cord segment(s) is not flexible. Thus, a higher thresholdlevel of adjustment force is needed to bend, shape, or adjust theflexible support member or cord segment(s). In various embodiments, therigidity score can be set to support a weight of the cord (or at leastan appropriate portion of the cord) and camera 1102 such that once theflexible support member or cord segment is adjusted, the cord or cordsegment maintains position until manually readjusted (e.g., in thesituation where a user readjusts the flexible support member or cordsegment). That is, the flexible support member or cord segment(s) isformed of a plastic, wood, metal, composite, or laminated materialsufficiently rigid for supporting camera 1102. Additionally, theflexible support member 1104 can be sized and shaped to sufficientlybalance the weight of camera 1102 and flexible support member 1104 toprevent instability of camera 1102. Accordingly, the flexible supportmember 1104 and cord segment(s) can be associated with a rigidity scorethat enables a stable position of the camera 1102 once the flexiblesupport member 1104 is adjusted. A stable position, for example,includes the situation where camera movement is within a thresholdamount of movement. This can include, for example, decreasing orpreventing inadvertent movement of camera 1102 with respect to thedisplay screen or other support surface, such as preventing the cordfrom twisting or spinning freely (e.g., about a vertical axis) andthereby preventing camera 1102 from inadvertently changing itsrotational orientation, that is, preventing the lens from rotating itsfocus away from the user facing the display device. In another example,a stable position can include the situation where the flexible supportmember 1104 does not bend or bow once hanging or extending (e.g.,substantially perpendicular to a top perimeter of a display device) froma top portion of a computing device monitor. In accordance with variousembodiments, the flexible support member 1104 and/or cord segments canbe manufactured from one of a plurality of different materials to allowfor a plurality of rigidity scores. In yet another example, the housingof the camera may have substantially flat edges (e.g., the back ofcamera and/or image processor may be substantially flat) as to stablymaintain the position (e.g., rotational position) of the camera 1102against the display device.

In another embodiment, flexible support member 1104 is operable tocouple with a connecting component (e.g., a video display connector thatis releasably engaged with one of the computing device or a componentcoupled to the computing device), for transmitting at least one of apower or data between the camera 1102 and a computing device.

Positioning component 1106 is operable to couple to flexible supportmember 1104, releasably engage with a display device (e.g., an edge,such as a top edge, of the display device), and to direct a first end ofthe flexible support member 1104 (e.g., wherein the first end isattached to camera 1102) to an operative region of the display device.In some embodiments, the positioning component is a bracket, the bracketoperable to hang from a top portion of the display screen. In certainembodiments, the positioning component 1106 includes a bracket clip,wherein the clip is a spring-loaded hinge and the bracket clip isoperable to releasably grip an edge of the display device. A flexiblesupport member 1104 may be passed through a back end of a horizontalbase (also referred to as a horizontal beam) of the bracket clip,through a front end of the horizontal base. A first end of the flexiblesupport member 1104 can be attached to a camera and can hang over infront of the display device from the front end of the horizontal base.The first end of the flexible support member 1104 may be a rigid cord,or a flexible cord encased in a hollow rigid structure. In anotherembodiment, the positioning component 1106 is a u-bracket that includesat least one notch through which the flexible support member passes,wherein the flexible support member passes through a first notch on aback portion of the positioning component which directs the flexiblesupport member over a top portion of the positioning component andthrough a second notch on a front portion of the positioning component,the flexible support member passing through the notches providing athreshold amount of force on the positioning component to maintain asecure position on the display screen. In yet another embodiment,positioning component 1106 is a notched bracket, the notched bracketincluding a horizontal beam with a series of notches along a length ofthe horizontal beam and a vertical rigid hollow structure attached tothe front of the horizontal beam, wherein the bottom end of the verticalrigid hollow structure is attached to a camera. The series of notchesmay correspond with a size of an edge of a display device. For example,a first end of the flexible support member 1104 is encased in thevertical rigid hollow structure while a second end is passed through oneof the series of notches that corresponds to the size of the displaydevice edge. When the notched bracket is positioned over a top edge of adisplay device, the display device is fitted between the vertical rigidhollow structure and the flexible support member 1104 passing throughthe notch matching the thickness of the display device edge. In yetanother embodiment, positioning component 1106 can be a bracket attachedto a spring-loaded retractor, a front portion of the bracket hanging ontop and in front of the display device, and the spring-loaded retractorhanging on top of and behind the display device, wherein the flexiblesupport member 1104 can be fed through the spring-loaded retractor, froma back end to a front end of the bracket, and hung down in front ofdisplay device.

In some embodiments, the positioning component 1106 is a magnet, whereinthe magnet is magnetically adhered to the flexible support member 1104in a recess and key arrangement. That is, the magnet can be in one ofthe recess and the key, and a material to which the magnet is attractedcan be in the other of the recess and the key. In some embodiments,positioning component 1106 is a clip operable to couple the flexiblesupport member 1104 to the display device, the clip configured to coupleto a portion of the display screen. In another embodiment, thepositioning component 1106 is a double hook operable to hook onto thedisplay screen, and wherein the double hook includes a gap through withthe flexible support member 1104 passes, and wherein the flexiblesupport member 1104 passes through the gap to facilitate positioning ofthe camera at the operative region of the display screen. In certainembodiments, the system further includes a raised ridge extendingupwardly near a top edge of the display screen, the raised ridge beingreleasably coupled to the display screen, wherein the positioningcomponent 1106 includes one of a front flange hook or a back-flange hookextending transversely near a top edge, and wherein one of the frontflange hook or the back-flange hook engages the raised ridge to supportthe positioning component 1106.

In another embodiment, positioning component 1106 includes a socketlongitudinally defined through a top portion of the positioningcomponent 1106, wherein a pin extends from a slider affixed to theflexible support member 1104, and wherein the pin is inserted into thesocket to support the flexible support member 1104 from the positioningcomponent 1106. In some embodiments, the pin further includes arod-shaped element having at least one bend to locate the pin parallelto a longitudinal direction of the positioning component 1106 anddisplaced to one side of the positioning component 1106.

The positioning component 1106 may be associated with a braceflexibility score, the brace flexibility score quantifying a level offlexibility of the brace opening (e.g., mouth or jaw, other edge thatfit over a display device edge, etc.) of a positioning component 1106 toaccommodate different display devices of varying thickness, with respectto a baseline or reference brace flexibility score. For example, a lowbrace flexibility score can indicate that the opening of a positioningcomponent is fixed (e.g., can only fit onto a display screen edge of aspecific maximum thickness because the opening cannot open or closebeyond its default state). A high brace flexibility score can indicatethat the opening can be expanded, flexibly opened, stretched, unfolded,etc., for example, jaws or opening edges that can passively be fittedonto a display device edge of a specific thickness and can also bestretched open wider to be fitted onto a thicker display device edge.The brace flexibility score may correspond to a flexibility orpliability property of a material of the positioning component 1106. Forexample, a positioning component 1106 manufactured from a flexibleplastic may have a high brace flexibility score, for example, the jawsof a u-bracket can be stretched wider to accommodate a thicker displayscreen. In another example, the mouth of a notched bracket can beexpanded by passing the flexible support member 1104 through a notchcloser to the backend of the horizontal beam of the notched bracket. Inyet another example, a positioning component 1106 manufactured from astiff metal may have a low brace flexibility score, for example, thejaws of the u-bracket cannot be stretched and can only be passivelyfitted onto a display screen edge of a limited range of thickness. Asanother example, a notched bracket with a number of notches below athreshold amount of notched may only be able to accommodate a restrictedrange of display device edge thicknesses, and may have a low braceflexibility score.

The positioning component 1106 may also be associated with a brace forcescore, the brace force score quantifying a maximum level of force thatcan be applied by the positioning component 1106 onto the displaydevice. That is, the brace force score can quantify the pressure exertedby the positioning component 1106 when gripping a display device withrespect to a baseline or reference brace force score (e.g., a passivegrip exerted by stiff or unmovable jaws). For example, a low brace forcescore can indicate that the positioning component 1106 has a weak orpassive grip over the display screen edge, or may require additionalsupport to secure the positioning component over the display deviceedge. A high brace force score can indicate that the positioningcomponent 1106 exerts at least a threshold level of force in grippingthe display device edge. In an example, a positioning component with abrace force score within a predetermined range may include padding(e.g., silicon pads, rubber pads, and the like) attached to its opening(e.g., jaws) to prevent damage to the display device when mounted. Inthe situation where positioning component 1106 is composed of a highlyflexible material, such as a highly bendable metal or plastic, it mayhave a low brace force and would have a gentler grip on the displaydevice edge. Contrastingly, in a situation where positioning component1106 is composed of a semi-flexible material, such as a dense yetslightly flexible wood or plastic, it may have a higher brace force andwould have a tighter grip on the display device edge, particularly whenthe mouth of positioning component 1106 is stretched wider toaccommodate a thicker display device edge.

Positioning component 1106 may further be associated with a mount widththreshold., the mount width threshold representing the maximum width ofa display device edge that the positioning component can accommodate.For example, a u-bracket that is composed of a flexible material may bestretched wider to fit over a thicker display device edge and would havea higher mount width threshold than a u-bracket of a same size and shapebut composed of an inflexible material. In another example, a notchedbracket that has notches along a long horizontal beam may allow for aflexible support member to pass through a notch such that the spacebetween the notch and the vertical rigid hollow structure can fit over athicker display device edge, and therefore have a higher mount widththreshold.

Positioning component 1106 may also be associated with a mount depththreshold, which represents the maximum depth of a display device edgethat the positioning component 1106 can accommodate (e.g., how much ofthe edge is covered by positioning component). In an example, a highermount depth threshold may indicate that the jaws of positioningcomponent 1106, when mounted on an edge of a display device, envelops adeeper portion of the display device edge than would a positioningcomponent with a lower mount depth threshold. However, a mount depththreshold that is too high may exceed a bezel width of a display device(or other computing device or component coupled to a computing device),for example, a positioning component with a high mount depth may havejaws (or mouth, edge, lip, etc.), when mounted onto a display device,that grip the display device beyond the bezel and obstruct a portion ofa viewable area (e.g., an area of a display screen where image contentcan appear) of the display device.

Coupling component 1108 is operable to couple the flexible supportmember 1104 with the positioning component 1106. flexible support member1104 may be coupled with positioning component 1106 by one of aplurality of coupling means, such as a frictional assist, adhesiveassist, magnetic assist, among others. Positioning component 1106 mayalso be coupled with the flexible support member 1104 by one of aplurality of coupling techniques, the coupling techniques correspondingwith a frame structure of the positioning component, wherein thepositioning component can take the shape of any one of a number ofcomponents (e.g., frame structures), such as a clip, a magnetic bracket,clamp, and so forth. For example, in the situation where positioningcomponent is a bracket clip seated on top of the display device, theflexible support member 1104 may be passed through from a back end of ahorizontal beam of the bracket clip and through a front end of thehorizontal beam. The first end of the flexible support member 1104 maybe a rigid cord, or a flexible cord encased in a hollow rigid structurethat is attached to the positioning component. In another embodiment,the flexible support member 1104 may be substantially flat, as tomaintain its position against the display device. In the situation whereembodiment, positioning component 1106 may be a u-bracket, wherein theu-bracket includes at least one notch. The flexible support member 1104may pass through a first notch on a back portion of positioningcomponent 1106, which directs the flexible support member 1104 over atop portion of the positioning component and through a second notch on afront portion of positioning component 1106 . The flexible supportmember 1104 may be securely coupled at the two notches by a couplingmeans, such as a frictional assist, etc. In yet another embodiment,positioning component 1106 may be a notched bracket, wherein the notchedbracket includes a horizontal beam with a series of notches along alength of the horizontal beam. The positioning component 1106 caninclude a vertical rigid hollow structure attached to the front of thehorizontal beam, wherein the bottom end of the vertical rigid hollowstructure is attached to a camera. In the example, the flexible supportmember 1104 is coupled with the positioning component 1106 by threadingthe flexible support member 1104 from a top front end of the horizontalbeam and down through the vertical rigid hollow structure, wherein theflexible support member 1104 is also coupled to the camera. In anembodiment, the flexible support member 1104 may be a flexible cord thatis encased in or partially encased in the vertical rigid hollowstructure.

In another embodiment, the positioning component 1106 can be a bracketattached to a spring-loaded retractor, a front portion of the brackethanging on top and in front of the display device, and the spring-loadedretractor hanging on top of and behind the display device. The flexiblesupport member 1104 can be fed through the spring-loaded retractor, froma back end to a front end of the bracket, and hung down in front ofdisplay device. The spring-loaded retractor is operable to retract,roll, and stow an excess length of the flexible support member 1104. Inthe example, the flexible support member 1104 may be associated with aflexibility or pliability property, for example, the flexible supportmember 1104 may be made of a flexible or semi-flexible material to allowfor pulling and retraction of the flexible support member 1104 andstowing of the flexible support member as a rolled cord stored in thespring-loaded retractor.

In yet another embodiment, the positioning component 1106 and flexiblesupport member 1104 may be coupled with connector elements. Theconnecting elements can form, for example, a recess and a keyarrangement between the flexible support member and the positioningcomponent. A magnet can be positioned in one of the recess and the keyand a material to which the magnet is attracted in the other of therecess and the key, thereby magnetically coupling the positioningcomponent and flexible support member. In another example, theconnecting elements can form a recess and a key arrangement between theflexible support member and the positioning component, wherein therecess and the key arrangement can include interlocking elements and atleast one element can be configured to release the interlockingelements.

Releasable engagement component 1110 is operable to releasably engagethe positioning component 1106 with a display device (e.g., an edge,such as a top edge, of the display device). Additionally, releasableengagement component 1110 is operable to disengage the positioningcomponent 1106 from the display device. For example, in the situationwhere positioning component 1106 is a bracket clip, releasableengagement component 1110 may disengage the positioning component 1106from its current position on a display device, relocate the positioningcomponent 1106 to the right or left of its current position along thetop edge of the display device, and releasably re-engage the positioningcomponent 1106 with the display device at its new position. In theexample, the bracket clip includes a clip attached to the bracket by ahinge with a spring (e.g., a torsional spring, for example, a spiralwound torsion spring). The hinge may be held in a closed position (e.g.,under a rotary force) by the spring, that is, when bracket clip isdisengaged from the display device, the clip can clamp shut against ahorizontal beam of the bracket clip under the torque of the spring inthe hinge. Releasable engagement component 1110 may pull back the clip(e.g., resisting the torque of the spring) to release its grip on thetop edge of the display device. When the bracket clip is relocated tothe right or left of its previous position, the releasable engagementcomponent 1110 may release the clip to allow the clip to spring forwardto grip (e.g., releasably re-engage with) the edge of the display deviceat its new location. In another example (e.g., where positioningcomponent 1106 is a u-bracket, a notched bracket, socket and pin, etc.),releasable engagement component 1110 may slide, roll, etc., thepositioning component 1106 along the top edge of device to the right orleft of its current position, such as to move the camera horizontallyacross the display device. In yet another embodiment, where thepositioning component 1106 is a notched bracket, releasable engagementcomponent 1110 may pass through a notch corresponding to the size of thedisplay device edge, wherein the display device is fitted between thevertical rigid hollow structure and the (e.g., over a front portion ofthe display device) and a second end of the flexible support member 1104(e.g., over a back portion of the display device), and wherein thecombined weights of the flexible support member 1104 and the positioningcomponent 1106 exert a threshold amount of force on the positioningcomponent as to securely the position of the positioning component 1106over the display device edge. Releasable engagement component 1110 mayalso may unwind the flexible support member 1104 from the notch torelease (e.g., releasably disengage) the positioning component 1106 fromthe display device.

In another embodiment, in the situation where positioning component 1106is a magnet, a magnetically-attracted strip, such as a magnetic strip ora metal strip, or a plurality of magnetic recesses (e.g., series ofmagnetic docks) may be incorporated across a top portion of the frontsurface of the display device. Releasable engagement component 1110 maymagnetically attach the back of positioning component 1106 to a pointalong the magnetically-attracted strip or to one of the plurality ofmagnetic recesses. Releasable engagement component 1110 may alsoreleasably disengage the positioning component 1106 from the displaydevice by magnetically detaching the back of positioning component 1106from the magnetically-attracted strip or the one of the plurality ofmagnetic recesses.

Tensioning component 1112 is operable to secure positioning component1106 in its position on a display device through tensioning. In anexample, tensioning component 1112 may combine a first weight of theflexible support member 1104 and a second weight of the positioningcomponent 1106 into a combined weight, wherein the tensioning component1112 exerts the combined weight onto the positioning component 1106against the display device as to securely maintain the position of thepositioning component 1106 on the display device (e.g., over an edge,such as a top edge, of the display device). The combined weight providesa threshold amount of force on the positioning component 1106 over theedge of the display device. The threshold amount of force can be anamount force required to hold positioning component in place as toprevent the positioning component 1106 from slipping off the displaydevice (e.g., when display is stationary, or is tilted backward,forward, etc.). In an embodiment, tensioning component 1112 may beassociated with a tensioning ratio. A tensioning ratio can quantify therelative weights exerted by a first end of a flexible support member1104, a second end of the flexible support member 1104, and thepositioning component 1106, wherein the combined weights as exerted onthe positioning component 1106 securely maintains the position of thepositioning component 1106 on top of the display device. That is, thetensioning ratio may include a ratio (e.g., distribution) of a firstweight (e.g., first end of the flexible support member 1104), a secondweight (e.g., second end of the flexible support member 1104), and athird weight (e.g., positioning component 1106). The tensioning ratioquantifies the distribution of weight in a coupled positioning component1106 and flexible support member 1104 that is needed to provide athreshold amount of force over the positioning component 1106 as tosecurely maintain the position of the positioning component 1106 on thedisplay device. In an example, a tensioning ratio can identify anoptimal balance of tensioning on the coupled positioning component 1106and flexible support member 1104, or the center of gravity of thecoupled positioning component 1106 and flexible support member 1104, sothat the combined weights of the positioning component 1106 and flexiblesupport member 1104 prevent or substantially restrict the positioningcomponent 1106 from leaning or falling forward or backward off thedisplay device. In an embodiment, tensioning component 1112 may includea weight of the camera attached to a first end of the flexible supportmember 1104 in the first weight in the tensioning ratio. In anotherembodiment, tensioning component 1112 may add or remove supplementalweights (e.g., additional segments attached to the flexible supportmember 1104, weighted materials, etc.) to or from at least one of thefirst end of the flexible support member1104, second end of the flexiblesupport member 1104, or positioning component 1106 to achieve thetensioning ratio required for the securely maintaining the position ofthe positioning component 1106 on the display device.

Connecting component 1114 is operable to releasably engage with one ofthe computing device or a component coupled to the computing device, forexample, for transmitting at least one of a power or data between thecamera 1102 and a computing device (e.g., display device). In anexample, connecting component 1114 may be a video display connector,wherein the video display connector is attached to a second end of theflexible support member 1104. When a positioning component 1106 ispositioned on a top edge of the display device, the connecting component1114 may be directed to an area behind the display device. In anembodiment, the connecting component 1114 connects the flexible supportmember with the display device, wherein the flexible support memberallows for power to be transmitted from display device to the camera, aswell as image and/or audio data to be transmitted between the camera anddisplay device. The connecting component 1114 may include a USB port,parallel port, HDMI, Ethernet, or any other way of passing image databetween a cable and computing device. In another embodiment, connectingcomponent 1114 can be a wireless transmitter that can receive data(e.g., image data or audio data) captured by the camera and can transmitthe data to a computer or other appropriate processing component (e.g.,display device).

Camera position adjustment component 1116 is operable to adjust aposition of the camera 1102 vertically, horizontally, radially,rotationally, or a combination thereof. For example, camera positionadjustment component 1116 may adjust the position of the camera tomaintain the camera within a particular range (e.g., distance on thedisplay device) of the eye contact target. That is, the position of thecamera 1102 may be adjusted to continuously capture a user's gaze at thedisplay device, for example, if the user moves his gaze to follow an eyecontact target (e.g., the eyes of the onscreen image of the otherparticipant in the video communication) that has moved to a differentlocation on the display device. In an example, camera positionadjustment component 1116 may reposition the camera 1102 horizontally bymoving the positioning component 1106 horizontally across the top edgeof the display device (e.g., wherein the positioning component 1106 iscoupled to the flexible support member 1104 and a first end of theflexible support member 1104 is attached to camera 1102). For example,camera position adjustment component 1116 may disengage positioningcomponent 1106 from its current position on the display device, relocatethe positioning component 1106 to the right or left of its currentposition along the top edge of the display device, and releasablyre-engaged (e.g., clamp, tighten screw vice, etc.) positioning component1106 with the display device at its new position. For example, in thesituation where positioning component 1106 is a bracket clip (or springclamp, vice clamp, and the like), camera position adjustment component1116 may open the jaws of bracket clip to release its grip on the topedge of the display device. When the bracket clip is relocated to theright or left of its previous position, camera position adjustmentcomponent 1116 may releasably re-engage the jaws of the bracket (e.g.,allow the jaws to grip) with the edge of the display device at its newlocation. In another example, camera position adjustment component 1116may slide, roll, etc. positioning component 1106 along the top edge ofthe display device to the right or left of its current position (e.g.,in the situation where positioning component 1106 is a u-bracket, amagnet that is attached to a horizontal magnetic strip across the topfront edge of the display device, and the like).

In certain embodiments, camera position adjustment component 1116 mayreposition the camera 1102 vertically, by vertically adjusting theflexible support member 1104. For example, camera position adjustmentcomponent 1116 may raise or lower the position of camera 1102 over thedisplay device by adjusting a length of a first end (e.g., front end) ofthe flexible support member 1104, such as by pulling, retracting, etc.,the flexible support member 1104 up or down, respectively (e.g., bypassing the flexible support member 1104 through the positioningcomponent to the back or front of display device, respectively). Forexample, if a second user in the video communication raises her seat,her onscreen image will move higher in the video conference applicationwindow, causing her eyes (e.g., the eye contact target) to move to ahigher position on the display device than the camera 1102. To maintaineye-to-eye alignment when the first user moves his gaze upward and overcamera 1102 to look at the eye contact target at its new location,camera position adjustment component 1116 may move camera 1102 upward tomaintain the camera 1102 within the target range of the eye contacttarget, such that the gaze of first user continues to be within thefield of view of camera 1102. Camera position adjustment component 1116may also lower or relocate camera 1102 to the left or right along thedisplay device to follow the eye contact target if the eye contacttarget shifts onscreen.

In another embodiment, the camera position adjustment component 1116 mayradially adjust the position of camera 1102 (e.g., radially articulatecamera 1102 about a portion of the flexible support member 1104). In anexample, the first end of cord flexible support member 1104 may includea plurality of cord segments, wherein a cord segment can correspond todifferent sections of the flexible support member 1104. A cord segment(e.g., along the first end of flexible support member 1104 proximate tothe camera 1102) may be coupled with camera 1102. In certainembodiments, camera 1102 can be part of the cord segment. The cordsegments can be associated with one or more features. For example,camera position adjustment component 1116 may be a hinge along a cordsegment, the hinge operable to pivot (e.g., bend) with respect toadjacent cord segments. The hinge allows a cord segment hanging belowthe hinge (e.g., a cord segment between the hinge and camera 1102) topivot about the hinge (e.g., about a horizontal axis that is orthogonalto the front plane of the display device). The camera positionadjustment component 1116 can radially articulate the position of camera1102 about the hinge. For example, camera position adjustment component1116 can swing camera 1102 by the cord segment (e.g., about an axisthrough the hinge and transverse to the face of the display device)radially across the face of the display device.

In yet another embodiment, the camera position adjustment component 1116may rotate the orientation of camera 1102 about a vertical axis. Forexample, camera position adjustment component 1116 may be an adjustableswivel incorporated into the flexible support member (e.g., at its firstend proximate to the camera 1102), to allow for controlled adjustmentsto the rotational position (e.g., orientation) of the camera 1102, forexample, to allow camera 1102 to capture image data from variousorientations that can collectively amount to a 180-degree field of viewof the display device. For example, the adjustable swivel may be anadjustable friction swivel, a swivel with click stops, and the like. Theadjustable swivel allows camera 1102 to be rotated at predefined anglesabout a vertical axis and maintaining (e.g., by temporarily locking thecamera 1102 in its rotational position through a frictional assist,click stop, etc.), while preventing instability of the camera 1102(e.g., preventing camera 1102 from spinning freely about a verticalaxis).

User interface adjustment component 1120 is operable to makeadjustments, such as positional adjustments, size adjustments, and soforth, to the video conference application window in relation to theposition of camera 1102. That is, user interface adjustment component1120 may automatically position the onscreen image of the second user(e.g., as displayed on the display device in the video communication)proximate to the lens of camera 1102, such that the camera 1102 iswithin a target range of the eye contact target (e.g., the eyes of theonscreen image of the second user). The target range can be measured asa threshold distance, such as a maximum distance or optimal distance(e.g., for optimal lens focus), a camera can be placed from the eyecontact target in order to capture the gaze of the local user (e.g., thefirst user looking at the eye contact target) and establish eye-to-eyecontact between the users in the video communication. For example, ifcamera 1102 is in a fixed position, a preferred position, or the like,user interface adjustment component 1120 may adjust a location of thevideo conference application window on the display device, a size of thevideo conference application window as displayed on the display device,or a combination thereof, to align the eye contact target with thecamera 1102. For example, if camera 1102 is positioned over the centerof the display device, but the video conference application window ispositioned away from the camera 1102, such as in a corner of the displaydevice, user interface adjustment component 1120 may relocate the videoconference application window toward the center of the display deviceuntil the eye contact target that is within the video conferenceapplication window is aligned (e.g., within target range) of camera1102. When relocating the video conference application window along thedisplay device, user interface adjustment component 1120 may move thevideo conference application window at a smooth rate, rather than arapid or instantaneous jump. For example, the relocation of the videoconference application window from a first location to a second locationon the display device may involve a period acceleration leaving thefirst location, followed by a period of smooth movement toward thesecond location, followed by deceleration to and arrival at the secondlocation.

In another example, if the camera 1102 and video conference applicationwindow are both positioned in the center of the display device, but thevideo conference application window is too small such that the eyecontact target is out of target range from the camera 1102 (e.g., theeye contact target covers a small region on the display device and ispositioned proximate to but not directly behind camera 1102), userinterface adjustment component 1120 may enlarge the size of the videoconference application window as displayed on the display device, suchthat the eye contact target is large enough to be within the targetrange of the camera 1102. That is, the eye contact target has beenmagnified such that the region it originally covered on the displaydevice has been expanded, and the magnified eye contact target is nowdirectly behind the camera 1102.

Image sensors and facial recognition software can be used to locate theonscreen image of the second user on the display device relative to thelocation of the camera 1102 to determine whether the video conferenceapplication window needs to be adjusted (e.g., moved, enlarged, reduced,tilted, etc.). For example, image sensors may be placed behind thescreen surface of the display device or a portion thereof, that detectwhich regions of the display device are actively projecting pixels thatbelong to the onscreen image of the second user. User interfaceadjustment component 1120 compares the location of camera 1102 (withrespect to the display device) with the region of the display devicewhere the onscreen image of the second user is located, and moves orresizes the video conference application window to align the onscreenimage of the second user with the camera 1102. In another embodiment,image sensors may be attached to the back of camera 1102 to determinewhether the onscreen image of the second user, or the eye contacttarget, are currently directly located behind the camera 1102 byconfirming, for example, whether a particular combination of pixels, asignature code, etc., are present on the region of the display devicedirectly behind camera 1102. When the sensors or facial recognitionsoftware detect that the eye contact target is away from the camera1102, user interface adjustment component 1120 may automatically move,resize, etc., the video conference application window such that the eyecontact target is aligned with (e.g., positioned directly behind) thecamera 1102.

FIG.12 illustrates an example set of basic components of an electroniccomputing device. In various embodiments, computer system 800 may beused to implement any of the systems, devices, or methods describedherein. In some embodiments, computer system 1200 may correspond to anyof the various devices described herein, including, but not limited, tomobile devices, tablet computing devices, wearable devices, personal orlaptop computers, vehicle-based computing devices, or other devices orsystems described herein.

As shown in FIG. 12, computer system 1200 can include various subsystemsconnected by a bus 1202. The subsystems may include an I/O devicesubsystem 1204, a display device subsystem 1206, and a storage subsystem1210 including one or more computer-readable storage media 1208. Thesubsystems may also include a memory subsystem 1212, a communicationsubsystem 1220, and a processing subsystem 1222.

In system 1200, bus 1202 facilitates communication between the varioussubsystems. Although a single bus 1202 is shown, alternative busconfigurations may also be used. Bus 1202 may include any bus or othercomponents to facilitate such communication as is known to one ofordinary skill in the art. Examples of such bus systems may include alocal bus, parallel bus, serial bus, bus network, and/or multiple bussystems coordinated by a bus controller. Bus 1202 may include one ormore buses implementing various standards such as Parallel ATA, serialATA, Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) bus, Extended ISA (EISA) bus,MicroChannel Architecture (MCA) bus, Peripheral Component Interconnect(PCI) bus, or any other architecture or standard as is known in the art.

In some embodiments, I/O device subsystem 1204 may include various inputand/or output devices or interfaces for communicating with such devices.Such devices may include, without limitation, a touch screen or othertouch-sensitive input device, a keyboard, a mouse, a trackball, a motionsensor or other movement-based gesture recognition device, a scrollwheel, a click wheel, a dial, a button, a switch, audio recognitiondevices configured to receive voice commands, microphones, image capturebased devices such as eye activity monitors configured to recognizecommands based on eye movement or blinking, and other types of inputdevices. I/O device subsystem 1204 may also include identification orauthentication devices, such as fingerprint scanners, voiceprintscanners, iris scanners, or other biometric sensors or detectors. Invarious embodiments, I/O device subsystem may include audio outputdevices, such as speakers, media players, or other output devices.

Computer system 1200 may include a display device subsystem 1206.Display device subsystem may include one or more lights, such as one ormore light emitting diodes (LEDs), LED arrays, a liquid crystal display(LCD) or plasma display or other flat-screen display, a touch screen, ahead-mounted display or other wearable display device, a projectiondevice, a cathode ray tube (CRT), and any other display technologyconfigured to visually convey information. In various embodiments,display device subsystem 1206 may include a controller and/or interfacefor controlling and/or communicating with an external display, such asany of the above-mentioned display technologies.

As shown in FIG. 12, system 1200 may include storage subsystem 1210including various computer-readable storage media 1208, such as harddisk drives, solid-state drives (including RAM-based and/or flash-basedSSDs), or other storage devices. In various embodiments,computer-readable storage media 1208 can be configured to storesoftware, including programs, code, or other instructions, that isexecutable by a processor to provide the functionality described herein.For example, the instructions, when executed, can enable a computingdevice to perform automated document negotiation in accordance with thepresent disclosure may be embodied on a computer-readable medium. Thismay include automatically obtaining information from parties seeking tonegotiate document sections of a document such as a contract; generatinga ranking value or other such document selection value for a pluralityof candidate contracts possible between the parties based on informationfrom the parties, including their preferences for different sections(e.g., provisions) of the contract; and using the values to optimize anoptimization function (e.g., a cost function or other such function)that measures the degree to which candidate contracts satisfy theinformation provided by the parties to determine a document or documentinformation that satisfies constraints of the parties.

In some embodiments, storage system 1210 may include various data storesor repositories or interface with various data stores or repositoriesthat store data used with embodiments described herein. Such data storesmay include, databases, object storage systems and services, data lakesor other data warehouse services or systems, distributed data stores,cloud-based storage systems and services, file systems, and any otherdata storage system or service. In some embodiments, storage system 1210can include a media reader, card reader, or other storage interfaces tocommunicate with one or more external and/or removable storage devices.In various embodiments, computer-readable storage media 1208 can includeany appropriate storage medium or combination of storage media. Forexample, computer-readable storage media 1208 can include, but is notlimited to, any one or more of random-access memory (RAM), read-onlymemory (ROM), electronically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), flashmemory or other memory technology, optical storage (e.g., CD-ROM,digital versatile disk (DVD), Blu-ray® disk or other optical storagedevice), magnetic storage (e.g., tape drives, cassettes, magnetic diskstorage or other magnetic storage devices). In some embodiments,computer-readable storage media can include data signals or any othermedium through which data can be transmitted and/or received.

Memory subsystem 1212 can include various types of memory, includingRAM, ROM, flash memory, or other memory. Memory 1212 can include SRAM(static RAM) or DRAM (dynamic RAM). In some embodiments, memory 1212 caninclude a BIOS (basic input/output system) or other firmware configuredto manage initialization of various components during, e.g., startup. Asshown in FIG. 12, memory 1212 can include applications 1214 andapplication data 1216. Applications 1214 may include programs, code, orother instructions, that can be executed by a processor. Applications1214 can include various applications such as browser clients, campaignmanagement applications, data management applications, and any otherapplication. Application data 1216 can include any data produced and/orconsumed by applications 1214. Memory 1212 can additionally includeoperating system 1218, such as macOS®, Windows®, Linux®, various UNIX®or UNIX- or Linux-based operating systems, or other operating systems.

System 1200 can also include a communication subsystem 1220 configuredto facilitate communication between system 1200 and various externalcomputer systems and/or networks (such as the Internet, a local areanetwork (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), a mobile network, or any othernetwork). Communication subsystem 1220 can include hardware and/orsoftware to enable communication over various wired (such as Ethernet orother wired communication technology) or wireless communicationchannels, such as radio transceivers to facilitate communication overwireless networks, mobile or cellular voice and/or data networks, WiFinetworks, or other wireless communication networks. Additionally, oralternatively, communication subsystem 1220 can include hardware and/orsoftware components to communicate with satellite-based or ground-basedlocation services, such as GPS (global positioning system). In someembodiments, communication subsystem 1220 may include, or interfacewith, various hardware or software sensors. The sensors may beconfigured to provide continuous or and/or periodic data or data streamsto a computer system through communication subsystem 1220.

As shown in FIG. 12, processing system 1222 can include one or moreprocessors or other devices operable to control computing system 1200.Such processors can include single-core processors 1224, multi-coreprocessors, which can include central processing units (CPUs), graphicalprocessing units (GPUs), application specific integrated circuits(ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs) or any other generalized orspecialized microprocessor or integrated circuit. Various processorswithin processing system 1222, such as processors 1224 and 1226, may beused independently or in combination depending on the application.

The methods, systems, and devices discussed above are examples. Variousconfigurations may omit, substitute, or add various procedures orcomponents as appropriate. For instance, in alternative configurations,the methods may be performed in an order different from that described,and that various steps may be added, omitted, or combined. Also,features described with respect to certain configurations may becombined in various other configurations. Different aspects and elementsof the configurations may be combined in a similar manner. Also,technology evolves and, thus, many of the elements are examples and donot limit the scope of the disclosure or claims.

The methods, systems, and devices discussed above are described withreference to block diagrams and/or operational illustrations of methods,systems, and computer program products according to embodiments of thepresent disclosure. Specific details are given in the description toprovide a thorough understanding of example configurations (includingimplementations). However, configurations may be practiced without thesespecific details. For example, well-known circuits, processes,algorithms, structures, and techniques have been shown withoutunnecessary detail to avoid obscuring the configurations. Thisdescription provides example configurations only, and does not limit thescope, applicability, or configurations of the claims. Rather, the abovedescription of the configurations will provide those skilled in the artwith an enabling description for implementing described techniques.Various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elementswithout departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosure.

Having described several example configurations, various modifications,alternative constructions, and equivalents may be used without departingfrom the spirit of the disclosure. For example, the above elements maybe components of a larger system, wherein other rules may takeprecedence over or otherwise modify the application of variousimplementations or techniques of the present disclosure. Also, a numberof steps may be undertaken before, during, or after the above elementsare considered.

Reference in the specification to “one embodiment” or to “an embodiment”means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic describedin connection with the embodiments is included in at least one exampleimplementation or technique in accordance with the present disclosure.The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” in various places inthe specification are not necessarily all referring to the sameembodiment.

Unless specifically stated otherwise as apparent from the followingdiscussion, it is appreciated that throughout the description,discussions utilizing terms such as “processing” or “computing” or“calculating” or “determining” or “displaying” or the like, refer to theaction and processes of a computer system, or similar electroniccomputing device, that manipulates and transforms data represented asphysical (electronic) quantities within the computer system memories orregisters or other such information storage, transmission or displaydevices. Portions of the present disclosure include processes andinstructions that may be embodied in software, firmware or hardware, andwhen embodied in software, may be downloaded to reside on and beoperated from different platforms used by a variety of operatingsystems.

In addition, the language used in the specification has been principallyselected for readability and instructional purposes and may not havebeen selected to delineate or circumscribe the disclosed subject matter.Accordingly, the present disclosure is intended to be illustrative, andnot limiting, of the scope of the concepts discussed herein.

The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents in thecontext of describing the disclosed embodiments (especially in thecontext of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both thesingular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearlycontradicted by context. The terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,”and “containing” are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning“including, but not limited to,”) unless otherwise noted. The term“connected” is to be construed as partly or wholly contained within,attached to, or joined together, even if there is something intervening.Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as ashorthand method of referring individually to each separate valuefalling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein and eachseparate value is incorporated into the specification as if it wereindividually recited herein. All methods described herein can beperformed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein orotherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and allexamples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, isintended merely to better illuminate embodiments of the disclosure anddoes not pose a limitation on the scope of the disclosure unlessotherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construedas indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice ofthe disclosure.

Disjunctive language such as the phrase “at least one of X, Y, or Z,”unless specifically stated otherwise, is intended to be understoodwithin the context as used in general to present that an item, term,etc., may be either X, Y, or Z, or any combination thereof (e.g., X, Y,and/or Z). Thus, such disjunctive language is not generally intended to,and should not, imply that certain embodiments require at least one ofX, at least one of Y, or at least one of Z to each be present.

Having been provided with the description and illustration of thepresent application, one skilled in the art may envision variations,modifications, and alternate embodiments falling within the generalinventive concept discussed in this application that do not depart fromthe scope of the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An image capture device positioning system,comprising: a camera, a support member operable to transmit at least oneof power or data between the camera and a computing device, the supportmember having a body portion, wherein a first end of the body portionincludes the camera and a second end of the body portion includes ,sproviding for releasable engagement between the support member and oneof the computing device or a component coupled to the computing device;and a positioning component providing releasable engagement with aportion of a display screen and operable to direct the second end of thesupport member to one of the computing device or the component and thefirst end of the support member to an operative region of the displayscreen, wherein the positioning component is coupled to the supportmember, a combination of a first weight of the support member and asecond weight of the positioning component providing a threshold amountof force on the positioning component to maintain a secure position onthe display screen.